Instructor - Communication Studies

43133BR

Dept of COMS

Position Description

The College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University, Department of Communication Studies, is seeking a part-time, non-tenure-track Instructor to contribute to the university's mission through teaching, research, and service, with specific responsibilities varying by academic unit.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the College

The College of Media & Communication (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/comc/) at Texas Tech University serves approximately 2500 students across its undergraduate majors and graduate programs. The college's enrollment and credit hours have grown consistently for the last seven years; the number of full-time faculty has almost tripled; and the area for facilities has increased more than 40%. CoMC is the #1 rated research unit in the TTU System per the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking). Its private and state grants initiatives have skyrocketed in recent years, achieving its 2025 grants goals in fall 2020. The CoMC Center for Communication Research (CCR) is the country's premier academic research facility for the study of communication, media processing, and effects. The CCR features labs useful for audience testing, content analysis, surveys, eye-tracking, focus group, and psychophysiology. These research facilities provide a great environment for further advancing an exciting and productive research agenda.

The college maintains high standards for teaching, even as its reputation as a media research center expands. College metrics for student retention and graduation rates are near the top at Texas Tech in many categories. Research strengths among college faculty include Hispanic and international, strategic, science/health, gaming/AI, leadership, interpersonal/organizational, and political communication, as well as social scientific research methods. Affiliates of the Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic & International Communication engage in teaching, research and community outreach related to Hispanic and international/intercultural communication (comc.ttu.edu/research/hihic). Please visit the college's website for more information: www.depts.ttu.edu/comc.

About the Department/School/Area

One of Texas Tech's oldest and most distinguished departments, Communication Studies combines a rich tradition of excellence with a forward-looking approach to education. The department is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a globally connected world, emphasizing effective communication-oral, written, and digital-across personal, professional, and public contexts. Communication Studies is also home to TTU Forensics, one of the nation's top debate programs, where students develop critical thinking, persuasive advocacy, and leadership skills. Faculty in the department are actively engaged in research, teaching innovation, and community partnerships, contributing to a vibrant, collaborative academic environment.

Major/Essential Functions

In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower all students, applicants should have experience working with students from a variety of backgrounds at the undergraduate level.

Organization

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications

• Candidates must have completed at least 18 graduate credit hours in Communication Studies or hold a master's degree in Communication Studies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior teaching experience

Duty Point

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit:

• A one-page statement of interest (750 words max) indicating specific courses of interest and background/preparation for successful teaching of those courses
• A CV or a resume
• A digital portfolio showcasing professional accomplishments in journalism and/or creative media
• The names and contact information of three professional references

Job Type

Part Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Schedule Details

Determined by teaching schedule for Instructors

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Instructors

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Grade

800

Applications must be received by

07/30/2026