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Sociology Instructor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Sociology Instructor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$31.3K

$65.6K

$150.1K

How much do sociology instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for sociology instructor in Raleigh, NC is $65,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sociology instructor do?

A Sociology Instructor teaches students about human society, social behavior, and various aspects of social life. They design and deliver lectures, create assignments, and assess student understanding on topics such as culture, social institutions, inequality, and social change. Sociology Instructors may also guide class discussions, supervise research projects, and stay current with developments in the field. Their goal is to help students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of social dynamics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sociology instructor?

To thrive as a Sociology Instructor, you need a strong foundation in sociological theory, research methods, and a relevant advanced degree, such as a master's or Ph.D. in sociology or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), data analysis software like SPSS, and curriculum development tools is often required. Outstanding communication, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to engage and inspire diverse learners are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure effective teaching, foster critical thinking, and create an inclusive, stimulating learning environment for students.

How do sociology instructors typically collaborate with other faculty and support staff within an academic institution?

Sociology Instructors often work closely with colleagues across social sciences to develop interdisciplinary curricula, participate in departmental meetings, and share teaching strategies. They may collaborate with academic advisors to support student success, and coordinate with librarians or instructional designers to enhance course materials. This teamwork fosters a dynamic learning environment and provides opportunities for professional growth through workshops, research projects, and committee involvement. Building these relationships is key to both student engagement and ongoing career development within academia.

What is the difference between Sociology Instructor vs Sociology Professor?

AspectSociology InstructorSociology Professor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree or master's in sociology or related field; teaching certification may be preferredDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in sociology or related field; extensive research and publication experience
Work EnvironmentCommunity colleges, technical schools, or adult education programsUniversities and research institutions, often with research responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions offering undergraduate courses, focusing on teachingHigher education institutions emphasizing both teaching and research

While both roles involve teaching sociology, Sociology Instructors typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and focus on classroom instruction at community colleges or similar settings. Sociology Professors usually possess a Ph.D. and engage in research alongside teaching at universities. The main difference lies in educational requirements and job responsibilities, with professors often involved in scholarly work.

What job categories do people searching Sociology Instructor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Sociology Instructor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Sociology Instructor jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Sociology Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Sociology Instructor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,238 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty: Sociology

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 4 hours ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Department Head of Social Work, Sociology, Justice Studies (SWSJS), the Adjunct Instructor of Sociology is a part time position that teaches traditional and/or non-traditional college-level students, at on-campus and/or off-campus sites on weekdays and/or weeknights and Saturdays. Work is contingent upon enrollment needs on a per semester basis. In addition to teaching, part-time faculty must provide student assistance and advice in their subject area and may be required to participate in student orientation sessions.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Through a demonstrated commitment to the University's mission and goals, effectively teaches college-level students.
• Demonstrates acceptance and support of the mission and goals of the University.
• Actively engages in planning, developing, and improving curriculum offerings.
• Understands, promotes, and engages sociology concepts and theories competencies through teaching.
• Directs instructional activities that encourage students to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to increase motivation, to enhance a positive self-image, and to clarify their values.
• On the first day of class, provide each student a copy of a course syllabus that conforms to university approved requirements.
• Teaches the course in accordance with the course syllabus.
• Informs students of the course objectives and requirements, explains the grading system and attendance policy, discusses academic integrity, and provides a bibliography of suggested readings.
• Holds classes as scheduled, including those immediately preceding and following holidays observed by the University.
• Obtains pre-approval from the applicable Department head or Dean prior to rescheduling or cancelling a class.
• Promptly notifies the applicable Department head or Dean when unable to hold class on account of illness, attendance at conferences, and emergencies, and indicates the arrangements made for instruction of students during that absence. Promptly completes and submits faculty absentee form (see Faculty Handbook).
• Provide ample opportunities for students to discuss, demonstrate, present, and explain to others' ideas, information, processes, and techniques relevant to the subject matter.
• Utilizes a variety of teaching strategies, including appropriate instructional technology.
• Encourages students to use relevant available resources to enhance the opportunity to become well educated scholars.
• Properly prepares for each class and conducts each class in a manner that will require students to master learning objectives at the upper end of Bloom's taxonomy (analysis, synthesis, evaluation).
• Presents teaching materials in a respectful, understandable, and effective manner.
• Uses related testing measurements that accurately reflect the stated course objectives.
• grades and returns students' assignments within a reasonable time, not to exceed ten working days from the date of the assignment or exam.
• Equitably administers academic policies the same for athletes as for other students.
• As applicable to the program, ensures that coursework:
- Requires students to analyze, explore, question, reconsider, and synthesize old and new knowledge and skills.
- Relates to currently accepted practices within the discipline.
- Requires students to engage in research and to confront the diversity of views in the field of study.
2. Effectively manages the classroom environment.
• Engages in professional classroom behavior that promotes maximum learning.
• Ensures that University policies concerning classroom behavior and etiquette are adhered to, such as prohibiting classroom disruption, profanity, eating, smoking, drinking, illegal drugs, and littering.
• For students who engage in disruptive behavior, provides counsel to students outside of class. Should disruptive behavior continue, promptly report inappropriate behavior to the Department head.
• In the event of a threatening classroom situation, contacts appropriate emergency responders:
-If on the main Raleigh campus, contacts the Campus Police & Security Office at 919-546-8249
- If offsite, contact the local Security Officer and/or dial 911 as applicable.
• Upholds academic integrity.
• Identifies classroom safety hazards and initiates corrective action, including ensuring applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are locally posted for all chemical-containing substances accessible by students in the classroom.
3. Develops, maintains, and submits accurate, timely, and complete records, forms, reports, requests, etc.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date student records pertaining to attendance, assignments, and grades.
• Takes class attendance each time a class meets; maintains accurate attendance records on each student.
• Promptly furnishes related information upon request by the Department head or the administration to meet required deadlines.
• Files enrollment reports as requested.
• Submits final grades for a course, by way of the web, within 48 hours of the date of the final exam.
• Files final evaluation reports within 48 hours after the administration of the final examination to the Office of Records and Registration.
• Submits end of semester course notebooks for each class taught to the Department head by the end-of semester deadline (as per the current End of Semester Course Notebook Checklist Form), including:
- Semester and year
- Course name and section
- Course syllabus
- Attendance spreadsheet
- Pre/post-test copy
- Pre/post-test analysis
- Midterm and final grade sheets (system printout)
- Grade book
- Student work products with rubric
- Final project/research paper/exam
- Faculty narrative
• Under established guidelines, submit an analysis of student learning outcomes, to the Program Coordinator, for each course taught.
• Submits proposed undergraduate curricular changes to the Department head.
• Submits textbook orders by applicable deadlines, if required by Department head.
• Completes the required check-out process with the Department head at the end of the academic year.
• Ensures all University-issued property, equipment and/or materials are returned on time and in good order.
• Obtains pre-approval from the Department head, prior to inviting a guest speaker/lecturer to address a class or make a presentation,
• Promptly reports any emergency to the academic Department head.
4. Maintains effective collegial communication, professional interaction, and functional relations within the assigned main-campus academic department, college and/or the applicable off campus site.
• Works to ensure that positive relations are maintained.
• Effectively resolves inter-personal and/or transactional issues and concerns.
• Ensures effective and appropriate overall communication and dissemination of information.
• Consistently exhibits sound judgment in exercising responsibilities.
5. Maintains up-to-date knowledge and compliance with all University policies and procedures:
• Complies with the Faculty Handbook (accessible on the University's intranet site)
• Complies with the Employment Handbook policies and procedures, which affect all faculty and staff (accessible on the University's intranet site), including staffing and recruitment, workplace expectations, performance, compensation and payroll, benefits, safety and security, communication, and training.
• Always demonstrates professional conduct and at all University-related events.
• Refrains from behavior that disrupts the business operations of the University; brings the faculty member into public disrepute, scandal, or ridicule; or that reflects unfavorably upon the reputation or the high moral or ethical standards of the University.
• Follows established policies and procedures, including but not limited to harassment, intellectual property, equal opportunity and affirmative action, conflicts of interest, nepotism, and outside employment.
• Ensures the confidentiality of all personal information relating to students and personnel; limits exposure of confidential information to a job-related and need-to-know basis only.
• Follows and ensures compliance with external regulatory institutions and organizations.
• Follows established financial guidelines, including travel and purchasing of instructional materials.
• Ensures the efficient allocation and economical utilization of university resources.
6. Actively pursues scholarly activities and development: remains current in the applicable teaching field.
• Improves professional competence and performance by engaging in scholarly activities and pursuing programs of self-development, such as:
- Participation in workshops and conferences.
- Membership and holding office in professional organizations.
- Writing and/or research completed or in progress.
- Publishing.
- Consulting and/or editing.
-Proposals written or grants received (required to be initiated through the Department head or Dean and
• Participates in the University's professional development activities and systems training offerings, as needed, to be efficient in the delivery of course work.
• Maintains up-to-date computer technology skills, including Moodle, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook,
and other applicable Jenzabar modules or software programs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.