Professional-Practice Assistant Professor in Journalism

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Ohio State University’s School of Communication in Columbus invites applications for a 9-month full-time professional-practice Assistant Professor of Journalism to begin August 2027. The hire will strengthen core journalism instruction, including COMM 2221, COMM 3405, and COMM 3403, with potential to offer advanced courses like COMM 4202.

Ideal candidates bring news writing, editing, data journalism, and multimedia experience, plus a student-centered teaching approach and current newsroom

Qualifications

• Requires a doctorate in communication, journalism, or a related field, or a master’s degree with substantial industry/professional experience in journalism.
• Evidence of teaching excellence is highly desirable; preference for candidates expanding teaching in media writing/editing, multimedia/digital journalism, sports journalism, feature writing, student media, or applied journalism practice.

Responsibilities

• Teach and mentor undergraduate students in journalism and related areas.
• Provide high-quality instruction in foundational and advanced journalism skills courses.
• Support experiential learning opportunities connected to student media and related production-based courses.
• Contribute to curriculum development and student preparation for a changing media landscape.
• Maintain current knowledge in journalism practice and bring that knowledge into the classroom.
• Embody the highest ethical and professional standards of journalism.
• Contribute service to the School, College, University, and/or profession as appropriate for a professional-practice faculty appointment.

Skills

News writing

Editing

Data journalism

Investigative reporting

Podcasting

Public records

Visual journalism

Media law

Multimedia journalism

Sports journalism

Education

PhD in communication or journalism

Master's degree with substantial industry experience

Job description

Job Title: Professional-Practice Assistant Professor in Journalism

Department: Arts and Sciences | School of Communication

Professional-Practice Assistant Professor in Journalism Academic

School of Communication

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The School of Communication at The Ohio State University Columbus campus invites applications for a 9-month full-time professional-practice faculty position in journalism at the rank of Professional-Practice Assistant Professor, to begin August 2027. We seek an experienced journalism professional who is a committed, experienced educator to play a central role in the School’s undergraduate journalism program.

This position will strengthen instruction in core journalism courses, particularly in core courses such as COMM 2221: Media Writing & Editing, COMM 3405: Lantern TV, and/or COMM 3403: Sports Writing. We anticipate growing demand in these and related areas as our new Sports Communication certificate and Sport, Society and Communication minor continue to expand. Depending on the successful candidate's expertise, the position may also support more regular offerings of advanced journalism skills courses, such as COMM 4202: Feature Writing.

Experience with news writing, editing, data journalism, investigative reporting, podcasting, public records, visual journalism, media law or other areas of contemporary journalism would further expand the courses the faculty member could support. Experience in multimedia journalism and/or sports journalism is desirable but not required. A candidate who can move comfortably among writing, editing, sports reporting and digital production would provide the greatest flexibility for the program. We are especially interested in candidates who can bring current professional knowledge, practical newsroom experience, and a student-centered approach to teaching and mentoring.

The successful candidate will contribute to a journalism program recognized for integrating writing, reporting, editing and multimedia production, helping students develop the versatile skills needed to succeed across today’s media platforms.

Performance Objectives

• Teach and mentor undergraduate students in journalism and related areas.
• Provide high-quality instruction in foundational and advanced journalism skills courses.
• Support experiential learning opportunities connected to student media and related production-based courses.
• Contribute to curriculum development and student preparation for a changing media landscape.
• Maintain current knowledge in journalism practice and bring that knowledge into the classroom.
• Embody the highest ethical and professional standards of journalism.
• Contribute service to the School, College, University, and/or profession as appropriate for a professional-practice faculty appointment.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

Candidates must have either a doctorate in communication, journalism, or a related field, or a master’s degree along with equivalent and substantial industry/professional experience in journalism. Candidates should demonstrate substantial professional expertise relevant to the area of appointment and the ability to teach multiple undergraduate journalism courses effectively.

Desired:

Evidence of teaching excellence is highly desirable. Preference will be given to candidates whose professional experience expands the School's teaching capacity in media writing and editing, multimedia and digital journalism, sports journalism, feature writing, student media, or other areas of applied journalism practice. Experience mentoring students, supervising student media production, or developing strong curriculum and experiential learning opportunities is also desirable.

Additional Information

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

Application Deadline

Applications received by October 19, 2026, will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Location: Derby Hall (0025) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Department Information

The School of Communication is home to a nationally recognized journalism program that prepares students to produce impactful reporting. Through award-winning student media organizations, including The Lantern, students develop the skills, judgment and professional experience needed to serve diverse audiences and communities. We seek colleagues who will help us strengthen our culture of experiential learning, mentor aspiring journalists, and expand opportunities for students to succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape.

The University

Ohio State is a top 20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. Ohio State promotes a culture of work-life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and differently abled.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.