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Religious Studies Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sfcollege

$32.88/hr

... Religious Studies, Spanish, and Speech contribute to the college's General Education curriculum by ... The Adjunct Assistant Professor must have the flexibility to teach courses during the day, evening ...

Sfcollege

$32.88/hr

... Religious Studies, Spanish, and Speech contribute to the college's General Education curriculum by ... The Adjunct Assistant Professor must have the flexibility to teach courses during the day, evening ...

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Religious Studies Professor information

What Does a Religious Studies Professor Do?

Religious studies is the academic discipline of studying one or several religious traditions or their adherents’ behaviors in a critical light. A religious studies professor may specialize in specific beliefs, institutions, texts, a religious language, such as Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, or Sanskrit, a historical period, or a more abstract field, such as theories or philosophies of religion. Your main duties include a mix of teaching, research, and advising students. Depending on the University, you may serve as an advisor to a graduate student writing their thesis or dissertation. You also have administrative responsibilities, such as professional development, faculty meetings, and departmental administration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Religious Studies Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Religious Studies Professor, you need advanced academic credentials (usually a Ph.D.) in religious studies or a related field, along with strong research and teaching experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard) and research databases is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking skills help professors engage diverse student audiences and facilitate open dialogue. These skills are vital for fostering an inclusive learning environment and advancing scholarly understanding of complex religious topics.

What are some common challenges Religious Studies Professors face when balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities?

Religious Studies Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including designing and delivering engaging courses, conducting original research, and participating in departmental or university committees. Balancing these duties can be challenging, especially during peak times like grading periods or research deadlines. Professors must also stay current with developments in their field and foster an inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Effective time management and clear communication with colleagues are key to managing these demands successfully.

What are Religious Studies Professors?

Religious Studies Professors are educators and researchers who specialize in the academic study of religion. They teach courses on various religions, belief systems, and their historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts at colleges or universities. In addition to teaching, they often conduct scholarly research, publish academic papers, and participate in conferences. They may also advise students and contribute to curriculum development within their department. Their expertise helps students understand the diverse ways in which religion shapes societies and individual lives.

What is the difference between Religious Studies Professor vs Theology Professor?

AspectReligious Studies ProfessorTheology Professor
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Religious Studies or related fieldDoctorate in Theology or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, research institutionsReligious institutions, seminaries, universities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizationsReligious organizations, seminaries, academic settings
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Religious Studies Professors focus on the academic study of religion, including history, culture, and societal impacts, often in secular or academic settings. Theology Professors typically specialize in religious doctrine, faith, and spiritual interpretation, often within religious institutions or seminaries. While both roles require advanced degrees, their focus and work environments differ, making this comparison useful for those exploring careers in religious academia.

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Religious Studies Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Religious Studies Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Assistant Professor of Religion (Fall 2026)

Assistant Professor of Religion (Fall 2026)

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Assistant Professor of Religion (Fall 2026)
Job Responsibilities
The School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track or non-tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Religious Studies to begin August 2026.
This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman's campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University's core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed.
If hired on a non-tenure-track, term Assistant Professor appointments are subject to annual renewal. The initial term of the appointment is three years. Additional three-year terms may continue indefinitely based on the needs and budget of the university and positive performance review. Eligibility for a tenure-track appointment depends on the candidate's qualifications at the time of hire.
Responsibilities:
For a tenure-track appointment: The successful candidate will provide classroom instruction in lower- and upper-division courses in religious studies; fulfill additional faculty duties including advising and developing an active research program, preferably involving undergraduates; collaborate in the ongoing assessment of the Philosophy and Religion program; participate collegially in departmental activities including student recruitment; and perform other regular service to the University.
For a non-tenure-track appointment: The successful candidate will have a 4/4 teaching load providing classroom instruction in lower- and upper-division courses in religious studies. Additional faculty duties include collaborating in the ongoing assessment of the Philosophy and Religion program; contributing to academic initiatives in the department; participating collegially in departmental activities; and performing other occasional service to the University.
Applicants will be evaluated on:
  • academic qualifications;
  • the potential for teaching courses listed above under "Preferred qualifications;"
  • evidence of teaching effectiveness, including potential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in undergraduates;
  • strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; and
  • commitment to a broad-minded approach to learning of the kind found in an interdisciplinary, liberal arts and sciences education.

Benefits: Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses. Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year. More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.
Program:Social Sciences and Human Inquiry is a multidisciplinary department housing the following academic majors: Criminal Justice Studies, History, Philosophy & Religion, Political Science & International Relations, Social Issue Advocacy, and Sociology/Anthropology.
The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.
Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state's public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master's universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.
The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers' markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O'Hare provide quick access to one of the country's major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.
Required Qualifications
Required qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Religious Studies or a closely related field. All-but-dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered, but a Ph.D. must be completed by the start date. Candidates for a tenure-track appointment should show evidence of a demonstrated ability both to excel in teaching and to develop an active research program, preferably involving undergraduates.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications:
In addition to having an interest in candidates who can teach Truman's lower-level Exploring Religions survey course, the department has a specific interest in candidates who can offer courses in several of the following topical areas (it is not a requirement that the successful candidate be able to offer courses in all the listed topics):
  • Lower-level courses:
    • Cults and Sects
    • Faith and Reason in Christian Thought
    • Biblical Scholarship
    • Religion and Film
  • Upper-level courses:
    • Christianity
    • Judaism
    • Islam
    • Religion and American Culture
    • Shamanism
    • Religions of China and Japan (including, among others, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto)
    • Buddhism
    • Hinduism
    • Women in Eastern Religions
    • Psychology and Religion
    • African American Religions
    • Gender and Religion in America
    • Religion and Science
    • Method and Theory in Religious Studies

Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F135P
Open Date
03/04/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Faculty applications are supported by Interfolio. To apply for this position, please click HERE.
For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.
Complete applications must include:
  • a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above;
  • a current curriculum vitae;
  • a teaching portfolio that includes a statement of teaching philosophy and that provides evidence of the candidate's commitment to teaching excellence, the liberal arts and sciences, and student development;
  • a writing sample (no longer than 30 pages);
  • a statement of scholarly activity and interests (if wanting to be considered for the tenure-track position;
  • official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire);
  • names and contact information for 3 references.

Review of applications will begin April 3, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to Kathryn Brammall, Chair of Social Sciences and Human Inquiry (brammall@truman.edu). Please include "Religion Search" in the subject line.
Salary
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Non Discrimination Statement
Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu.
Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

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