What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor, Public Administration position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number
20260016FAC
Job Title
Assistant Professor, Public Administration
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
Work Location:
Murray, KY
Employment Term
Academic Year
Position Type
Faculty (Tenure-Track)
Department
Political Science and Sociology
Anticipated Start Date
August 2026
Summary Of Job Duties And Responsibilities
The Department of Political Science and Sociology invites applications for a tenure-track position in public administration starting in August 2026. We offer both an on-campus and online Master of Public Administration program with several concentrations. Teaching may include a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in political science and public administration. We are particularly interested in candidates who can teach courses on Public Organizations, Public Sector Human Resource Management, Research Methods, and Foundations of Public Administration. Preference will be given to candidates who can also contribute to our undergraduate program through teaching courses, such as American Government and State and Local Government.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to scholarship and service as well as excellence in teaching and must also be able to use multiple delivery methods in non-traditional formats.
Responsibilities Will Include
Ph.D., DPA, or related doctorate in political science, public administration, or public policy. A doctorate outside of these fields may be considered with specific experience in the field. ABDs with a documented plan of completion by appointment date will be considered.
Preferred Education And/or Experience Qualifications
Prior teaching experience is preferred.
Pay Plan
Faculty I
Posting Date
10/13/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants
Along with the application, the following items must be included:
20260016FAC
Job Title
Assistant Professor, Public Administration
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
Work Location:
Murray, KY
Employment Term
Academic Year
Position Type
Faculty (Tenure-Track)
Department
Political Science and Sociology
Anticipated Start Date
August 2026
Summary Of Job Duties And Responsibilities
The Department of Political Science and Sociology invites applications for a tenure-track position in public administration starting in August 2026. We offer both an on-campus and online Master of Public Administration program with several concentrations. Teaching may include a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in political science and public administration. We are particularly interested in candidates who can teach courses on Public Organizations, Public Sector Human Resource Management, Research Methods, and Foundations of Public Administration. Preference will be given to candidates who can also contribute to our undergraduate program through teaching courses, such as American Government and State and Local Government.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to scholarship and service as well as excellence in teaching and must also be able to use multiple delivery methods in non-traditional formats.
Responsibilities Will Include
- Teaching online, in-person and ITV
- Teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level
- Contributing to other required/core courses in the program such as research methods, foundations (intro) to public administration, public policy analysis, public budgeting and finance, public organizations, and the capstone
- Contributing to other elective courses in the curriculum
- Advising students in the Master of Public Administration program
- Building relationships between the MPA program and the community
- Maintaining a record of scholarship and publications
- Building and maintaining a record of service
- Other duties as assigned.
Ph.D., DPA, or related doctorate in political science, public administration, or public policy. A doctorate outside of these fields may be considered with specific experience in the field. ABDs with a documented plan of completion by appointment date will be considered.
Preferred Education And/or Experience Qualifications
Prior teaching experience is preferred.
Pay Plan
Faculty I
Posting Date
10/13/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants
Along with the application, the following items must be included:
- Letter of application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching Philosophy
- Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
- Copies of transcripts
- Research Sample (please submit under “Writing Sample”)