About the role
Position Function
This is one full-time, 9-month, tenure-track faculty position requiring the successful candidate to teach, conduct research/creative work, and perform service. See below for more specifics.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile
The Department of Communication, Media & Theatre at Mississippi State University (www.comm.msstate.edu) features approximately 500 undergraduate majors across five concentrations: Creative Media Production, Multimedia Journalism, Communication & Media Studies, Public Relations, and Theatre. Students may choose concentrations in more than one area, and minors are offered in each concentration.
The department also offers students a Master of Arts in Communication. https://www.comm.msstate.edu/graduate-program
Anticipated Appointment Date
August 16, 2027
Tenure Track Status
Tenure-Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Department of Communication, Media & Theatre at MSU seeks a tenure-track assistant professor who specializes in creative media production. The successful candidate will primarily teach in either the Creative Media Production concentration, participate in scholarly/creative activities relevant to the field, and be actively involved in service roles that contribute to furthering the reputation of the concentration, department, college, and university.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses (in person and/or online), with a primary teaching focus in media production and post-production. The department seeks a faculty member with expertise in contemporary media production and post-production practices. Undergraduate courses may include, but are not limited to, Writing for the Media, Screenwriting, Digital Video Production, Cinematography, Non-Linear Editing and Motion Graphics, and other courses based on the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs. Graduate courses could include Seminar in Media or other courses based on the candidate’s area of expertise.
A typical course load for an assistant professor with an active research/creative agenda is three undergraduate courses per semester. If teaching graduate courses, the workload is 3/2, reduced during the semester teaching at the graduate level. During the first two years of employment, an additional course equivalent reassignment per semester for tenure-track positions may be granted (for an overall 2-2 load), thus encouraging the individual to initiate or continue a strong research/creative program.
Research is defined by the university, college, and department in a broad context. Excellence in research or creative achievement must be established by critical peer evaluation, using standards prevailing in the discipline. More information on promotion and tenure is available in the faculty handbook which can be found at http://www.provost.msstate.edu/pdf/faculty_handbook.pdf.
Service includes advising majors and student organizations, developing curriculum, and serving on committees. Service activities within the community, academic and professional disciplines are also recognized as aspects of faculty achievement.
Minimum Qualifications
For tenure-track positions, the appropriate terminal degree and a strong record of or potential for successful teaching and scholarly research and/or creative work are required. Highly qualified ABDs will be considered, but a communication-related terminal degree must be completed within one year of the appointment date.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a PhD or MFA in a communication field, a strong record of scholarly research and/or creative work, and collegiate teaching experience. Specifically, the ideal candidate would have a background in professional media and experience teaching college level media courses.
A demonstrated commitment to working with students of all backgrounds and with students holding a range of worldviews is valued.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the field and a willingness to participate collegially in a broad department. Colleagues must be able to communicate that knowledge to students as well as to other important groups through scholarship and service. See above for overall duties and responsibilities.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The successful candidate must be able to teach in a classroom setting, conduct research and/or creative work, and provide service in the profession.
Instructions for Applying
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach (1) a cover letter (1–2-page letter of application summarizing teaching experience and performance, current scholarship/professional agenda, (2) current resume or curriculum vitae, (3) contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin November 17, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding the position are welcome and can be directed to Dr. Kevin Williams, Search Committee Chair, at kwilliams@comm.mmstate.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.