Assistant Professor of Communication: Theory & Methods

The San Diego State University School of Communication seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise in communication theory and methods. The successful candidate is expected to have a strong program of communication scholarship grounded in communication theory and methods, with applications across instructional, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, health, environmental, or digital communication that support a rigorous and impactful research agenda. The faculty member will be expected to teach and serve as the coordinator for three foundational undergraduate courses: communication theory (COMM 300–Conceptualizing Communication), communication methods (COMM 350–Investigating Communication), and the culminating undergraduate capstone course (COMM 495–Communication Capstone). At the graduate level, they will teach foundational courses in communication theory (COMM 610) and methods (COMM 602). Apply via PageUp by October 16, 2026.

The School of Communication envisions sustained excellence in advancing communication scholarship, promoting social justice, fostering relationships, and enhancing the public good. We enact this vision through inspired teaching, innovative collaborative research, and impactful community engagement. The School of Communication is looking for a candidate who complements our existing disciplinary diversity spanning organizational, health, interpersonal/relational, rhetorical, intercultural, digital, and critical-cultural communication studies in a collegial environment that supports interdisciplinary collaboration. To learn more, please visit https://communication.sdsu.edu/.

Required qualifications by date of application

• A record of original research/scholarly accomplishments
• Demonstrated capacity to a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research/scholarship, b) teach communication courses; and c) engage in both campus and professional service activities.
• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least three of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria.

Required qualifications by date of hire

• PhD degree in communication, with all degree requirements met.

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in the discipline and its methodologies

• Record of teaching foundational communication courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels

• Strong program of communication scholarship within the context of instructional, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, health, and/or digital communication research that aligns with our R1 university goals
• Experience with peer mentorship, exploring best pedagogical practices in teaching and learning, and willingness to take on administrative responsibilities

• Interest in securing extramural funding

• Ability to direct advanced undergraduate and/or graduate student research

Apply via PageUp by October 16, 2026, providing the following materials: 

• Cover letter, including information indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria

• Curriculum vita

• Names and contact information for three references

• Research Statement

• Teaching Philosophy Statement

The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The anticipated salary range is from $85,000-$88,000. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.

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