Assistant Professor of Social Work

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

Position Summary

The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver is seeking applicants for a full-time tenured/tenure track faculty appointment in our BSSW Program to begin Fall 2027. This position requires presence in Colorado on MSU Denver's Auraria campus for in person teaching and other activities.

MSU Denver has a robust mentoring program for tenure-track faculty.  The candidate will be enrolled in the Roadrunner Faculty Academy during their first year.  This is a year-long course designed to support new faculty to navigate faculty life and thrive in teaching, scholarly activity and service. 

Individuals hired will be eligible to apply for our internal Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Faculty Fellowship positions. Fellows may receive release time from teaching to advance the Department of Social Work's mission of serving students, families, and communities through initiatives that support MSU Denver's commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Fellows will also participate in a structured faculty mentorship program designed to support their long-term success in teaching, scholarship, service, and academic leadership.

HSI fellow applicants should demonstrate teaching, practice, research, or community-engaged experience that reflects a strong commitment to supporting Spanish-speaking communities and advancing educational equity for historically underserved populations. The department particularly values candidates who bring bicultural perspectives, experience navigating and working across cultural contexts, and the ability to foster meaningful engagement with Hispanic/Latine students, families, and communities. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

The successful candidates will serve in the areas of departmental need, candidate qualifications, and expertise.  

• Teaching will consist of 24 credits per academic year (four courses per semester). Teaching may include online, face to face, and hybrid instruction delivery options, with both daytime and early evening class options.  The successful candidate will take on lead faculty responsibilities for specific courses and be responsible to create and update course material to keep courses relevant and up-to-date. Advising responsibilities include carrying a student advising load of approximately 40 students for which you are responsible to perform and document career and professional advising.  
• A scholarly agenda is expected and supported, and production of quality scholarship is required. This includes the ability to produce scholarship such as published contributions, securing external funding, student research mentorship, program evaluation, development of community-serving resources, and presenting/attending at academic conferences.  
• Service work is expected, including work on Departmental, College and/or University committees a well as active service involvement in professional organizations and/or the community.  
• Per CSWE EPAS standards and MSU Denver’s commitment to inclusive pedagogy, all teaching, scholarship, and service expectations require intentional participation in and application of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the department and in service of students. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• Master of Social Work (MSW/MSSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited institution (or evaluated by CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES)
• Two (2) years relevant post-MSW experience
• Earned doctorate degree in social work or other related discipline (ABD will be considered with evidence of degree conferral by the start of fall semester classes in August 2027)
• One year of teaching content relevant to social work using an online LMS  (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas, etc.) for in-person or online instruction

Preferred Qualifications

While candidates are not expected to possess all preferred qualifications, please address in your cover letter how you meet any number of the preferred qualifications below. Priority will be given to candidates meeting the first two preferred qualifications. 

• Previous teaching, practice, or research experience with first generation college students, historically underrepresented groups and/or experience serving within an HSI, HBCU, or Tribal College. 
• Demonstrated experience in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through anti-oppressive, anti-racist, or liberatory approaches to practice, teaching, scholarship, curriculum development, administrative experience, or professional activities in social work.  
• Experience and passion for developing and organizing undergraduate level social work courses including in person/online/hybrid/asynchronous teaching, pedagogy, and curriculum design. 

Salary for Announcement

The salary range for this faculty position is $65,000 - $75,000 at Assistant Professor rank. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, discipline, specialty, and training.

MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.

Instructions to Apply

To apply, complete an application online through our career site, https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MSUDenver and search for JR105219.

To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Teaching philosophy (2 pages max).  Please share your teaching philosophy and include a focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement.  Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students.
• A list of three professional references and their contact information

Important Note: Due to volume of applications received, only applications completed as outlined above will be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the Resume/Cover letter section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded; you may combine all documents into one pdf file if needed.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Priority will be given to applications received through Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.