Assistant Professor of Communication Studies - Mass Communication and Media Prod

Communication Studies DepartmentThe Communication Studies Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin September 11, 2025. Area of Specialization (AOS): Mass Communication and Media Production. Areas of Concentration (AOC): strategic and/or crisis communication; legacy media; new media, including social media and AI; narratives and storytelling; or social movements and advocacy.We are seeking applicants with an earned or nearly complete doctorate in Communication Studies, Media Studies, or a closely related field. Preference is for quantitative methodologies. The ideal candidate will have a combination of university-level teaching experience and research potential.Primary teaching duties would include courses in Media Studies and Media Effects. Additional teaching responsibilities may include classes in Communication Theory, Quantitative Research Methods, Technology and Human Communication, and Public Speaking. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop at least one course related to media production that aligns with the department’s current curriculum as well as the candidate’s expertise. Non-instructional duties include engaging in productive research and scholarship, service, and academic advising and mentorship of undergraduate students.SalaryAnticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month (Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units (three courses) per quarter, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study.Required QualificationsPh.D. in Communication Studies, Media Studies or closely related discipline, earned or nearing completion (degree completion expected no later than August 2025)Demonstrated success in undergraduate teachingCompleted at least 1 graduate level coursework in mass communication, media studies, media effects, and/or media productionRecord of scholarship in mass communication or media effectsEvidence of potential for scholarly and/or creative achievement in AOC (see above)Documented experience implementing anti-racism, inclusion, diversity, and educational equity initiatives.Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English languagePreferred QualificationsDemonstrated university teaching experience in undergraduate media studies and/or media production coursesDemonstrated expertise in quantitative methodologies related to media effectsDemonstrated experience related to media productions and/or AOCs (see above)Potential for grant development in areas related to AOCWillingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with AOC, including course development and possible program curriculum developmentDemonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teachingDemonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settingsDemonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environmentPreference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilitiesAbout the DepartmentCurrently the Communication Studies Department, in the College of Liberal Arts, has 11 communication professors, and over 30 lecturers, approximately half of whom teach full-time. The department serves approximately 400 majors and 50 minors as well as students throughout the university in our many General Education course offerings. The department's website is

https://coms.calpoly.edu/How to ApplyTo apply, please visit

http://jobs.calpoly.edu/ , complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #542374. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:Cover letter (may wish to address the feasibility of conducting research, scholarship, and/or creative activities within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented undergraduate program).Current curriculum vitae.Statement of demonstrated commitment to DEI in teaching, scholarship, and/or service describing past experience, contributions to DEI efforts, the impact on students, faculty, staff and/or your field, and a description of how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly.Statement of teaching philosophyEvidence of teaching effectiveness including institutionally administered student evaluations.Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned, official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment.Sample syllabi for media studies, media effects, or equivalent course.List of Cal Poly courses for which the candidate is qualified and interested in teaching.Evidence of Research, Scholarship or Creative Activities.Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. For full consideration apply by the REVIEW BEGIN DATE: November 8, 2024. Applications received after this date may be considered.Projected Start Date:

September 11, 2025Review Begin Date:

November 8, 2024. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration.For questions about the position please contact Megan Lambertz-Berendt ( lambertz@calpoly.edu ), search committee chair and associate professor, or Dr. Anuraj Dhillon ( adhill06@calpoly.edu ), department chair and associate professor, Communication Studies Department.

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