Assistant Professors of Communication and Emerging Media Communication and Media

Overview

The Department of Communication and Emerging Media at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) invites applications for two full-time, 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professors of Communication and Emerging Media, with an expected start date of August 16, 2026.

We seek candidates with a PhD in communication or mass communication, or related field; PhD required by time of appointment. Preference given to candidates with communication or mass communication degrees. Candidates should demonstrate effective teaching at the undergraduate level, sincere interest in service to the department, university, and community, as well as evidence of scholarly productivity. Successful candidates will have specialties that bridge traditional communication studies with media/mass communication and have ability and investment in teaching core courses in the department, such as interpersonal communication or public speaking, as well as upper division courses in communication studies and/or media production. All our department’s full-time faculty have a 4-4 teaching load. We seek candidates devoted to high impact pedagogy, and conscientious, holistic academic advisement. The successful applicants will have the opportunity to create and/or redesign classes related to the mission of the department and university, particularly courses that prepare students for the workforce in the communications and media industries. The successful candidates will also help the department develop a potential new MA graduate program and teach graduate level courses. Salary is commensurate and competitive with qualifications and experience.

Department Initiatives and Programs

The Communication and Emerging Media Department is engaged in exciting initiatives including a new Media Learning and Research Lab (MLRL), new online BA programs, a new certificate program in Strategic Communication, and new partnerships with community and regional stakeholders. The department currently offers two BA degrees (Communication BA and Emerging Media BA) both on ground and online, along with minors in both Communication and Emerging Media, as well as the Certificate in Strategic Communication. We serve approximately 110 majors. Our curriculum for both BA programs includes core courses and a required capstone experience, designed to challenge students to understand, integrate and apply theories and principles from both communication studies and mass communication areas. We grow out of a liberal education tradition but also teach career readiness competences and we are committed to the personal and professional growth of our students.

Qualifications

• PhD in communication or mass communication, or related field; PhD required by time of appointment.
• Preference given to candidates with communication or mass communication degrees.
• Effective undergraduate teaching, evidence of scholarly productivity, and willingness to engage in service to the department, university, and community.
• Ability to bridge traditional communication studies with media/mass communication and to teach core courses (e.g., interpersonal communication, public speaking) as well as upper division courses in communication studies and/or media production.
• Commitment to high-impact pedagogy and holistic academic advisement; readiness to create or redesign classes aligned with departmental and university missions.
• Willingness to help develop a potential new MA graduate program and teach graduate-level courses.

Additional Details

All full-time faculty have a 4-4 teaching load. Salary is commensurate and competitive with qualifications and experience.

Application Process

The initial screening of applicants will begin January 12, 2026, and continue until both positions are filled. To be considered, apply online at: 1) uscjobs site (posted postings) and upload the following with the online application: a cover letter, a current CV, and unofficial graduate transcripts, full contact information for three professional references. Finalists will be required to submit official hard copy transcripts and three signed recommendation letters. Questions may be directed to Professor Elizabeth Webb, Search Chair, at elizabethw@usca.edu.