Assistant Professor, Public Policy and Administration

Boise State University; Boise, Northern (ID, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Boise State University’s College of Education and Public Service (COEPS) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor beginning Fall 2027. The position supports the Public Policy and Administration Ph.D.

Program and the Master of Public Administration Program, emphasizing teaching and research in public administration. Candidates should have expertise in areas such as state and local government, policy implementation, budgeting, nonprofit management, education policy,

Qualifications

• PhD in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science or a related field is required at appointment time.
• Ability to teach core PhD program courses such as Seminar in Public Administration.
• Ability to teach core MPA program courses such as Public Budgeting/Finance and Admin in the Public Sector.
• Ability to mentor and advise PhD and MPA students.
• Preferable: evidence of external grant activity.

Responsibilities

• Teach core courses in the Ph.D. and MPA programs.
• Mentor and advise Ph.D. and MPA students.
• Contribute to research, publications, and public-facing scholarship.
• Support program development and faculty service.

Skills

Teaching core courses

Mentor PhD/MPA students

Research and publications

Public administration expertise

Education

PhD in Public Administration/Policy/Political Science

Job description

The College of Education and Public Service (COEPS) seeks applicants for a tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, beginning in Fall 2027. The position will support the Public Policy and Administration Ph.D. Program and Master of Public Administration Program. Candidates should have research and teaching expertise in Public Administration. Areas of particular interest include, state and local government; policy implementation; public budgeting and finance; nonprofit management; education policy and administration; and, program evaluation.

Competitive candidates will have an established record of social science research demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and public-facing scholarship. They will primarily teach core courses in COEPS graduate programs, including the Public Policy and Administration Ph.D. Program and Master of Public Administration Program. The position is a key hire to support the Public Policy and Administration Ph.D. program, and will mentor and advise graduate and Ph.D. students.

College and Program overview:

The newly formed College of Education and Public Service (COEPS) empowers new generations of problem-solvers through expertise in leadership, education and public service. Its faculty teach and engage in research in a variety of disciplines, including public administration, environmental management, criminal justice, leadership and conflict management, political science, environmental studies, urban studies, global studies, and a variety of education disciplines. COEPS faculty work with students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, facilitate experiential learning, and participate as advisors and mentors to students in the college's three doctoral programs.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students and working professionals for leadership in public, nonprofit, and private organizations. Its alumni work throughout state and local governments, federal agencies, and nongovernmental and private organizations in Idaho and beyond. The program also offers four graduate certificates and an accelerated MPA. The interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration prepares students for research and senior leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and academia.

About Boise State:

Boise State University is a powerhouse of creativity, research, and impact. Our campus sits along the Boise River and reaches into the heart of Idaho’s capital – a vibrant hub for innovation, culture, and outdoor adventure. We’re nationally recognized for trailblazing research, student success, and community impact.

Our faculty are scholars, mentors, and changemakers who advance ideas, discoveries, and the next generation of leaders. Boise offers the perfect backdrop – a welcoming city with a thriving arts scene, growing tech sector, and mountains on the horizon. Join us and help shape a bold, collaborative academic community.

Learn more about faculty careers at Boise State and the City of Boise.

Minimum qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Advanced ABDs may be considered.

• Ability to teach core courses in the Ph.D. program, such as the Seminar in Public Administration.

• Ability to teach core courses in the MPA program, such as Administration in the Public Sector, Public Budgeting and Financial Administration, and Public Personnel Administration.

• Ability to mentor and advise Ph.D. and MPA students.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ability to teach advanced methods courses in the Ph.D. and MPA programs.

• Ability to teach public budgeting and finance courses in the MPA program.

• Ability to teach elective courses in the MPA program, such as Administrative Law, Policy Implementation, and Grant Writing.

• Evidence of external grant activity.

• Experience or evidence of success in mentoring and advising doctoral students.

• Record commensurate with the rank of Advanced Assistant or Associate Professor.

Required application materials:

• An updated curriculum vitae (CV).

• A letter of application outlining the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and interest in the position, with specific reference to research, teaching, and service.

• A sample of scholarly work.

• Contact information for three professional references.

Closing Date:

Position will remain open until filled, with review to begin on November 16, 2026.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Nisha Bellinger, [e-mail]

Salary and Benefits:

The 9-month salary range for an Assistant Professor starts at $70,000; the range for an Associate Professor starts at $80,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Our standard faculty contract is a 9-month contract with pay and benefits spread over 12 months. This is a yearly, renewable contract. More information about faculty contracts and work days is available here.

Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)

• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages

• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents

• Dual Career Assistance Support for spouses and partners

• See our full benefits page for more information