Job Description

Position Available: Full-time, nine-month, Assistant Professor of Media and Communication—Journalism. Salary, based on qualifications and experience, is determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and University President and approved by the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO).

Available: August 2026

Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a state-assisted regional institution in the Oklahoma System of Higher Education and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The student population is approximately 2,100 students. Located in Alva, Oklahoma, and with additional campus locations in Enid and Woodward, the university is a center of activity for the region.

The department seeks a candidate with a strong academic and professional background in journalism with particular expertise in online, multimedia, and social media-driven digital journalism.

The successful candidate will teach 27 credit hours per academic year. Courses commonly taught in this position include Writing for Media Professionals , News Reporting , Photography , Publication Design and Production , and Media Law & Ethics . In addition, this position serves as faculty advisor for the Northwestern News, the award-winning, student-run newspaper and digital news platform. The faculty advisor will mentor student journalists, oversee editorial workflows, support ethical and legally-sound reporting practices, and lead ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand the publication’s digital presence. Additional responsibilities include participation in departmental recruiting efforts, program assessment, academic advising, and committee and university service.

Preferred Qualifications: Terminal degree in journalism, mass communication, or related field; professional experience in journalism; and teaching experience in higher education. Doctorate or advanced ABD preferred.

Minimum Qualifications: Professional experience in journalism or teaching experience in higher education. Master’s degree in journalism, mass communication or related field. Terminal degree awarded prior to August 2026 is required for rank of assistant professor. HLC-qualified masters-prepared faculty are appointed at the rank of instructor.

The Media & Communication Program offers a B.S. in Media & Communication , with coursework spanning journalism, broadcasting, video production, and strategic communication. Students gain practical experience by working in one or more of the department’s media outlets, including NWTV (the campus television station), the Northwestern News (print and digital editions), and the student-run strategic communication agency . These applied learning opportunities are integral to the curriculum and prepare students for the rapidly evolving media landscape.

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application Process: An applicant should provide a cover letter, a curriculum vita that includes contact information for at least three (3) professional references, a description of teaching philosophy, the completed NWOSU Application for Faculty , and academic transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for application; official transcripts will be required before appointment.

Email submission of application materials as PDF attachments is preferred. Send information to:

Dr. Steven Maier, Dean of Faculty

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Email: sjmaier@nwosu.edu

Only applicants who are authorized to be employed in the United States need apply. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates who bring unique insights, backgrounds, and voices to our campus community.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age religion, handicap or status as a veteran in its employment policies or procedures.

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