Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Utah State University•Logan, UT

About The Position

The Department of Communication and Media at Utah State University (Logan campus) seeks applications for a tenure-track, teaching-emphasis Assistant Professor of Communication Studies with a required emphasis in rhetoric and preferred specialization in argumentation and/or civic deliberation. Ideal candidates will be able to teach across the Communication Studies curriculum (from undergraduate to the graduate level) in areas such as rhetorical criticism, argumentation, transnational rhetoric, organizational communication, culture, and conflict. The Communication Studies program at Utah State University is housed in the Department of Communication and Media, which includes multiple distinct yet complementary programs including Communication Studies, Technical Communication and Rhetoric, and Journalism and Communication. Embedded in a multidisciplinary department, the Communication Studies program is home to award winning researchers and instructors, a robust undergraduate major, and a terminal master’s program. Situated 75 miles north of Salt Lake City in Cache Valley, USU Logan is surrounded by numerous trail systems, the Logan River, Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, Bear Lake, and a growing restaurant and music scene downtown. Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact. USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies ’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement. Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated . We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

A PhD in Communication Studies (with an emphasis in rhetoric) by August 1, 2026.
Demonstrated ability to effectively teach Communication Studies courses.
Demonstrated ability/potential and willingness to mentor and advise graduate students.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to mentor undergraduate students.
Demonstrated ability to conduct scholarly research and engage with the Communication Studies discipline.

Nice To Haves

Preferred specialization in argumentation, transnational rhetoric, and/or civic deliberation.

Responsibilities

Teaching a 3/4 courseload across the Communication Studies curriculum.
Strengthening and complementing the existing program and curriculum.
Advising and mentoring graduate students in USU’s terminal master’s program in Communication Studies.
Maintaining an active research program that contributes to the discipline.
Engaging in service to the program, department, university, and discipline.
Engaging in outreach and working with concurrent enrollment programs in secondary schools.
Assisting the director of our public speaking program as/if necessary.