Political Science - Full-Time, Non-Tenure Track Assistant Professor

University of Central Oklahoma • Edmond, OK

3d

About The Position

The Department of Political Science and Public Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma seeks a full-time, annually renewable, non-tenure-track Assistant Professor. The appointment is eligible for promotion through faculty ranks. The successful candidate will teach and mentor students and contribute to the department’s public service education and collaborative departmental work. The department includes a NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration program, graduate degrees in Political Science and International Affairs, and three undergraduate majors.

The typical teaching load is four courses per semester (4/4), across undergraduate and graduate levels and in in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Teaching assignments will support courses across the department’s programs and may include graduate and undergraduate instruction, depending on departmental needs and the candidate’s strengths. The position also involves student advising and mentorship, departmental and university service, participation in assessment and accreditation support, and ongoing professional development, instructional improvement, and scholarly activity. The candidate is expected to maintain an active research agenda aligned with the teaching commitment to support renewal and promotion.

The department welcomes candidates with expertise across Political Science and Public Administration, including interests that complement its existing strengths. The department offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates, and its MPA program has been NASPAA-accredited since 2021.

Completed applications submitted by December 1, 2026, will receive full consideration. Review of completed applications will begin January 11, 2027, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, teaching portfolio, three professional references with complete contact information, and unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts through the UCO employment portal. Official transcripts are required upon hire.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D., D.P.A., or terminal degree) in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution; ABD candidates may be considered if all degree requirements are completed by the appointment start date.
• A J.D. alone, without an accompanying master’s degree or relevant doctorate in a related field, is not sufficient.
• Evidence of commitment to effective university teaching and student success.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise that complements departmental strengths, including the core freshman-level government course; undergraduate public law and judicial politics; undergraduate and graduate Political Science and Public Administration; and graduate tribal sovereignty governance, disaster management, policy analysis, nonprofit leadership, or research methods.
• Experience developing curriculum, advising students, and/or supervising graduate-level capstone or applied research projects.
• A broad range of substantive and methodological interests.

Responsibilities

• Teach a typical load of four courses per semester across undergraduate and graduate levels and in in-person, hybrid, and online formats.
• Teach courses across departmental programs according to departmental needs and the candidate’s strengths.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to department, college, and university committees.
• Participate in departmental assessment and accreditation support.
• Sustain professional development, instructional improvement, and scholarly activity, including an active research agenda aligned with a 4/4 teaching commitment.
• Contribute to public service education and collaborative departmental life.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree