Tusculum University is seeking an Assistant Professor of Political Science for the Spring 2026 semester. Located in the foothills of the Southern Appalachian mountains, Tusculum provides the successful applicant the opportunity to foster experiential learning in a meaningful way. Over 50% of entering undergraduate students are considered first-generation students, and the close-knit community of Tusculum University provides a springboard for these students to succeed and thrive. Our faculty have the rewarding opportunity to pour into those students’ lives and help educate the next generation of leaders for East Tennessee and beyond.
Tusculum faculty are responsible for teaching a minimum of 12-15 credits (pending rank) in each of the fall and spring semesters, advising, service, scholarship, and professional development. All employees must be active participants in advancing Tusculum University’s Mission Statement, which is as follows:
Building on a rich Presbyterian heritage and a pioneering spirit, Tusculum University provides an active and experiential education within a caring Christian environment to inspire civic engagement, to enrich personal lives, and to prepare career ready professionals.
In support of that mission, applicants for faculty roles should be prepared to advance all components of the mission statement. This includes the university’s faith-based tradition, which emphasizes closeness of faculty-student involvement, both within and without the classroom, in order to cultivate citizenship, Christian character and practical wisdom among members of the University community. As a part of that mission, the university is committed to creating a campus climate in which the Christian faith is reasonably and persuasively presented and in which the university offers a program of quality education in the liberal arts and sciences with the concept of the wholeness of life as interpreted by the Christian faith.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
A master’s degree, J.D., or doctorate in Political Science or Law is required; teaching experience with undergraduates is preferred. An ability to work with learners of all levels of preparedness is required.
Tusculum is an Equal Opportunity Employer; the Division of Social Sciences is certainly interested in applications for this position from underrepresented populations.
Tusculum participates in E-Verify and observes the guidelines as a Tennessee Drug Free Workplace. Applicants will be required to submit to and complete (1) substance abuse testing at a laboratory chosen by Tusculum University and (2) an employment background check, which includes a criminal background check, employment verification, license verification (if applicable), and credit history (if applicable). If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For questions, please contact Robert Gall at rgall@tusculum.edu
Applications are accepted only via email to turesume@tusculum.edu Attn: Assistant Professor of Political Science. A complete application will include a cover letter that contains a summary statement of teaching philosophy (including how that teaching philosophy would advance all aspects of the University’s Mission Statement), CV, copies of all post-secondary transcripts, the names and contact information of 3-5 references, and a completed Tusculum University application. A link to the application form is near the top of the webpage https://www3.tusculum.edu/hr/employment-opportunities.