Murray State University

Posting on February 16, 2026

Assistant Professor, Journalism and Mass Communications

Position Information

Posting Number: 20260029FAC

Number of Vacancies: 1

About Murray State:

Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits:

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment: Regular Full-Time

If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week:

Work Location: Murray, KY

Employment Term: Academic Year

Position Type: Faculty (Tenure-Track)

Department: Journalism and Mass Communications

Anticipated Start Date: August 2026

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The ACEJMC-accredited department has majors in Multimedia Journalism, Strategic Communication, and Visual Communication. It also has a Master’s degree programs in Mass Communication and Public Relations, along with several minors and certificate programs. It is one of six departments in the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business.

The candidate would be expected to teach classes in the core curriculum, such as mass media law, advertising, or other classes as needed, in both the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Responsibilities include a 4-4 course load, advising students, contributing to student organizations and other department extracurricular learning experience, executing a successful research agenda, and serving on departmental, college, and university committees as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements:

Terminal degree in Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Communication or related field, or Juris Doctorate required. ABDs with a documented plan of completion by appointment date will be considered.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements:

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

Industry/professional experience in media organizations.
Demonstrated ability to teach classes online and in-person.

Physical Demands:

Work Hours:

Annual Salary: $61,362 (Additional pay dependent upon qualifications)

Pay Plan: Faculty III

Posting Details

Posting Date: 02/04/2026

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Along with the application, the following items must be included:

Letter of application
Curriculum Vitae
Copies of all college and university transcripts
Samples of scholarly or creative work (please submit under “Writing Sample”)
Link(s) to online multimedia publications including podcasts, video productions, and photography (please submit through a word document under “Other Document”)

For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by March 7, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

APPLY: https://www.murraystatejobs.com/postings/12443

Posting Specific Questions

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