Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) or Instructor (Non-Tenure Track) Social Work

CSWE Career Center; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Missouri State University invites applications for a full-time, 10-month faculty appointment in Social Work to support the CSWE-accredited program and online-option development. Teaching undergraduate general practice courses in-person and online, with advising, mentoring, and service expectations, the candidate will contribute to program development and student success.

The position emphasizes a student-centered focus, a strong commitment to social work ethics, and scholarly activity;

Qualifications

• Student-centered professional focus and strong commitment to social work education.
• Ability to teach across modalities (in-person, hybrid, online).
• Demonstrated potential for teaching excellence in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate Social Work courses in-person and online.
• Provide academic advising and mentoring to students.
• Engage in service to department, college, and university through committees.
• Support recruitment, retention, and program assessment activities.
• Maintain a research agenda and scholarly productivity (tenure-track).

Skills

Teaching

Online delivery

Interpersonal communication

Advising and mentoring

Education

Ph.D. or DSW in Social Work or related field

MSW from CSWE-accredited program

Job description

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) or Instructor (Non-Tenure Track)

Social Work

Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) invites applications for a full time, 10-month faculty appointment to support its Social Work program, beginning January 2027.

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program at SEMO is CSWE accredited and is currently developing a fully online option. The successful candidate will assist in the development and delivery of the online option and ensure CSWE standards are maintained across the curriculum.

Candidates should demonstrate a student-centered professional focus, a strong commitment to social work education, and dedication to social work values and ethics. The area of specialization is open. The position includes teaching undergraduate Social Work general practice courses in both face-to-face and online formats at the undergraduate level. Additional responsibilities include academic advising and mentoring of students; service to the department, college, university through committee work; public service; recruitment and retention activities; and on-campus engagement. Candidate appointed at the rank of assistant professor is expected to maintain an active research agenda and demonstrate scholarly productivity within the field of social work.

Required Qualifications

• For Tenure Track consideration: Ph.D. in Social Work, Doctor of Social Work (DSW), or a closely related field (ABD with doctorate completion by August 2026 will be considered) AND Master of Social Work (MSW) degree or equivalent from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. (Degree must be from a regionally accredited or internationally accredited/government-certified university.)
• For Non-Tenure Track consideration: Master of Social Work (MSW) degree or equivalent from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program (Degree must be from a regionally accredited or internationally accredited/government certified university.)
• Current active Missouri social work license or eligibility for Missouri licensure.
• Minimum of two years full-time post-MSW direct practice experience.
• Demonstrated evidence of commitment to social work values and ethics.
• Evidence or demonstrated potential for teaching excellence in higher education.
• Ability to teach in multiple modalities (in-person, hybrid, online).
• Demonstrated experience or potential in public service and outreach.
• Demonstrated experience or potential in on-campus engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to participating in service activities including recruitment, retention, and program assessment.
• Demonstrated research agenda that allows for publication (for tenure-track appointment).

As a public regional university

Southeast seeks candidates with a commitment to excellent undergraduate (and graduate) education and student success within the framework of the teacher-scholar model. Instructional technology and pedagogical research are supported through the Center for Teaching and Learning and SEMO Online. Successful candidates will contribute to the development of innovative curricula and delivery strategies, including traditional, blended, and online formats, and participate in initiatives promoting student success, retention, and degree completion.

Application Deadline

The position is available January 2027, and will remain open until filled. To ensure consideration, applications must be received by October 2, 2026.

• Cover letter of interest addressing required position qualifications
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Current curriculum vitae
• Unofficial copies of transcripts (official transcripts are required when an offer of employment is accepted)
• Names and contact information of three professional references

Departmental Information

The Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology at Southeast houses undergraduate degree programs (BS) in Criminal Justice and Social Work; undergraduate minors in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology; a graduate degree program (MS) in Criminal Justice; an undergraduate certificate program in Law Enforcement; and the Southeast Law Enforcement Academy. Several of the department’s academic programs are available fully online, and the department strongly supports Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and experiential learning. More information regarding the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology can be found at https://semo.edu/cjsws/. The Social Work Program is CSWE Accredited.

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)

Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching, and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high-quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty, and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.

SEMO Fact Book

SEMO Strategic Action Plan