Adjunct Faculty - Theology

Carlow University's College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for adjunct faculty instructor positions in theology for the Fall 2026 semester. Instructor(s) are needed for two courses, each as one 3-credit section:

• TH-101: Religion and Human Experience (asynchronous online)
• TH-148: Friendship and Its Limits (in-person, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00-9:15am, Carlow University’s Pittsburgh campus in the Oakland neighborhood)
  
  
  

Candidates may apply to teach one or both courses. Please be clear in your application which course(s) you are applying for.

Qualified individuals will hold or be pursuing a doctoral degree in theology, religious studies, or a related discipline, though consideration may be given to master’s degree holders with relevant experience.

Course materials and mentoring will be provided, but instructors are encouraged to make the material their own.

Candidates must demonstrate and reflect understanding of and commitment to the mission and core values of the University and the Sisters of Mercy and experience working with diverse populations.

TH-101: Religion and Human Experience

About TH-101: Religion and Human Experience

• This course is an elective that introduces students to theology through by asking, “Why and how do humans search for God and ultimate meaning?” An important theme of the course is how human experience leads us to the God of Mystery who transcends all human experience. In its current form, it explores the topic primarily from within the Christian tradition and pays particular attention to how this dynamic plays out in the theological lens of those who have been marginalized by racism.
• Class size is expected to be approximately 20 students. Almost all will be taking the course to fulfill a general education requirement.
• The class will be taught online asynchronously through videos and other content posted to the online learning management system, Bright Space/Desire2Learn.
  
  
  

Key Responsibilities for TH-101: Religion and Human Experience

• Facilitate student learning, provide effective instruction, and perform evaluations of student learning.
• Develop course activities, lectures, assignments, and assessments, following or modifying the existing course syllabus.
• Regularly update course information, content, assignments, assessments, and grades online in BrightSpace/Desire2Learn, the learning management system.
• Be available to students via email and online meetings. Preferred methods of communication and time of availability for virtual office hours must be clearly stated in the course syllabus and adhered to throughout the semester.
• Assign grades and maintain student records in accordance with FERPA regulations.
• Meet all course responsibilities, including regular and timely engagement through the online system, throughout the semester.
  
  
  

TH-148: Friendship and Its Limits

About TH-148: Friendship and Its Limits

• This course is one of multiple options from different disciplines that fulfill first-year students’ “Critical Exploration” requirement. In addition to introducing students to a particular scholarly discipline (theology) through examining a topic of significant current interest (friendship), the course emphasizes the academic skills and approaches necessary for success in the rest of students’ college career.
• The course draws upon a primarily Christian conception of God, as well as philosophical and sociological content, to examine the meaning and value of friendship for individuals and society. The content is intended to apply to students’ own experiences.
• Typical class size is approximately 20 students, almost all of them in their first semester at Carlow and taking the course to fulfill a general education requirement.
• The class will be taught face-to-face Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 8:00-9:15am.
  
  
  

Key Responsibilities for TH-148: Friendship and Its Limits

• Teach in person on campus every Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00-9:15am throughout the entire semester.
• Facilitate student learning, provide effective instruction, and perform evaluations of student learning.
• Develop course activities, lectures, assignments, and assessments, following or modifying the existing course syllabus.
• Create and regularly update course information, assignments, content, and grades online in Bright Space/Desire2Learn, the learning management system.
• Be available to students via email and personal meetings. Preferred methods of communication and time of availability for office hours must be clearly stated in the course syllabus and adhered to throughout the semester.
• Assign grades and maintain student records in accordance with FERPA regulations. Submit data on key student learning outcomes for Critical Exploration courses at the end of the semester.
• Meet all course responsibilities, including class meeting times and office hours, throughout the semester.
  
  
  

Overall Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in theology, religious studies, or a related field (completed or ABD); master’s degree with significant relevant experience also considered
• Teaching experience (higher education setting preferred)
• Facility with online learning management systems (Bright Space / Desire2Learn preferred)
• Ability to make theological content relevant to students of any or no faith background, and to connect theological ideas to the search for a more just and merciful world
• Some knowledge of Catholic theology and traditions preferred; knowledge of other religious traditions and theologies a plus
  
  
  

Applying

• All resumes/CVs and cover letters indicating position of interest should be submitted by applying to the site on the Carlow University Employment Opportunities page. Transcripts must be submitted for consideration (initially, unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
  
  
  

About Carlow University

Carlow University is a comprehensive Catholic University situated in a culturally rich urban setting of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, an international community of Roman Catholic women with a mission to serve the poor, the sick, and the uneducated. Carlow is an institution grounded in the liberal arts while also offering strong professional programs, committed to engaging its community in a process of life-long learning, scholarship, research, and service. Degrees are offered at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. Carlow University aims to provide transformational educational opportunities rooted in social justice for a diverse community of learners, and to empower them to excel in their chosen work as compassionate, responsible leaders in the creation of a just and merciful world.

Carlow University employees commit themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct. They commit to act with integrity, treat others with respect and dignity, carefully steward the University's resources, avoid conflicts of interest or commitment, maintain confidentiality, and to comply with legal and professional obligations.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.