Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology

The Department of Sociology/Anthropology at Ohio Wesleyan University invites applications for a visiting assistant professorship in Sociology starting in August 2026. We seek an outstanding teacher committed to engaging undergraduates in the classroom and expertise in criminology/criminal justice and social theory.

Ohio Wesleyan University emphasizes close student-faculty engagement through initiatives such as The OWU Connection, its signature undergraduate experience. Within this context, the department offers a vibrant interdisciplinary community with wide-ranging teaching and research interests, supported by faculty development and mentoring from the Smith Center for Faculty Excellence.

This position will join a college deeply committed to flexibility, interdisciplinarity, and inclusivity. Faculty have opportunities for mentoring, professional development, and collaboration across the Ohio Five and GLCA consortia.

Responsibilities:

Teach six courses annually (3/3).In the fall 2026 semester, required courses will include two sections of Introduction to Sociology, and one section of Social Theory. The spring 2027 semester is flexible and can include courses in criminology/criminal justice, other upper-level electives based on candidate expertise, and/or Introduction to Sociology. Collaborate with colleagues in the Department of Sociology/Anthropology to advance a shared vision for extraordinary student outcomes and an interdisciplinary major in Social Justice.

Assist in curriculum development, revision, and evaluation.

Play a key role in recruiting prospective students and enhancing existing campus programming.

Minimum Qualifications:

Masters in Sociology, or a closely related field, and pursuing a Ph.D.Potential for teaching excellenceAbility to create an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates difference within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. (or near completion) in SociologyExperience teaching at the undergraduate levelSuccessful candidates are expected to pursue excellence in teaching, maintain a productive, ongoing professional development program, and contribute actively to the continued growth of the department and the university.

Application Requirements:

Cover letter outlining candidates current research agenda and teaching experience

Current CVTeaching and Student Engagement Statement:

Please provide a statement that articulates your teaching philosophy. In your response, address your ability to teach a broad range of courses and to employ pedagogical approaches that support students with varied perspectives and experiences. Describe how you connect students with opportunities, resources, and networks that expand their access to your field of study. Include examples of outreach, advising, or program activities that have supported students whose pathways into the discipline may not follow a traditional trajectory.

A list of courses the candidate has taught and is prepared to teachTeaching evaluations for courses the candidate has previously taught Please submit all materials via www.owu.edu/joinOWUfaculty, where you will find additional information about working at OWU. Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and additional materials are not required for the initial submission. They may be requested in later stages of the search process. Ohio Wesleyan University does not offer employment-based immigration sponsorship for Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) positions. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for the full duration of the appointment at the time of hire. The University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas (including H-1B) for these roles.

Review of applications will begin on April 13, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

About Ohio WesleyanLocated in the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area, Ohio Wesleyan is a selective residential liberal arts college enrolling approximately 1,600+ students from across the nation and around the world. The colleges signature program, the OWU Connection, empowers students to complete research, community service, careers, and study abroad, teaching students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book Colleges That Change Lives and was recently listed as the No. 1 liberal arts college in Ohio for social mobility by U.S. News and World Report. OWU is located in Delaware, OH, a lively college town just 30 minutes from Columbus, the 14th most populous city in the United States and part of the fastest growing, most economically vibrant areas of the Midwest. Columbus, known increasingly as the Silicon Midwest, was named by LinkedIn as one of the top 10 U.S. cities in which to launch your career.

To achieve our mission, we continually strive to foster a campus community where every individual is respected, supported, and able to flourish. We affirm the worth of all persons and welcome people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Ohio Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity institution and seeks applications from individuals who will contribute to, and help strengthen, our commitment to academic excellence, mutual respect, and the shared pursuit of knowledge.