Professor of Practice in Computer Science

Fitchburg State University; Fitchburg (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, invites applications for a 5-year non-tenure-track Professor of Practice in Computer Science/ Computer Information Systems. The ideal candidate will have significant industry experience and be able to teach a range of graduate and undergraduate courses while expanding AI and Cyber Security initiatives.

The position requires a Master’s degree (or Bachelor’s with graduate credits) and a minimum of five years of professional practice or a

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of documented experience as an actively practicing professional or a Ph.D. in CS/CE or related field.
• Evidence of effective teaching and ability to integrate industry practices into instruction is desirable.
• Maintain all required professional accreditation(s), certificate(s), or license(s) at time of hire and during the contract.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach a workload of 24 semester hours of credit per academic year (4 courses per semester).
• Instruct graduate and undergraduate courses in CS/CIS and related areas; advise undergraduates; hold office hours.
• Participate in curricula review, program reviews, and ABET-aligned student outcomes assessment.
• Contribute to promotional activities for CS/CIS and MS programs; attend workshops and conferences as needed.
• Attend university functions and departmental meetings.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teaching experience

Industry experience

Education

Master's degree in CS/CE or related field

Bachelor's degree + 15 graduate credits

Job description

Fitchburg State University, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a public institution dedicated to integrating high quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 6,000 full and part-time students. We invite you to learn more about us and how we can help you achieve your educational goals.

Institutional Diversity and Social Justice

Fitchburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging and social justice. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply and also those who can contribute to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching, research and mentorship.

Job Description:

The Computer Science Department at Fitchburg State University invites applications for a 5‑year, non‑tenure‑track Professor of Practice position (5‑year appointment). We are seeking an actively practicing professional or a recent Ph.D. in a related field who is dedicated to teaching excellence and preferably possesses a demonstrated ability to teach a variety of graduate and undergraduate courses in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems.

The ideal candidate will have robust industry experience in the latest software development methodologies, particularly modern Gen AI processes. The department is also seeking to expand its teaching and research in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. A proven ability to effectively engage and teach students from diverse backgrounds is essential.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teaching workload consists of 24 semester hours of credit of instruction per academic year (4 courses per semester) and preparation for classroom and/or laboratory instruction. At the discretion of the department chair, courses may be assigned from any of the programs in the department.
• Instructional responsibilities include teaching various courses in the department. These may include theory, hardware, software, databases, networking, cybersecurity, etc., at the graduate or undergraduate level. Serve as an academic advisor for undergraduate students, hold office hours, and provide student assistance, including academic advising and course‑related help.
• Participate in curricula review and development, comprehensive program reviews, and student outcomes assessments in alignment with ABET accreditation standards.
• Participate in and contribute to promotional activities for CS/CIS and MS programs. Participate in professional workshops and conferences as needed.
• Attend and participate in university functions, various committees, and departmental meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. We will also consider candidates with a Bachelor’s degree plus at least 15 graduate‑level credits in the subject area.
• Possess at least five (5) years of documented experience as an actively practicing professional in the discipline to be taught or a Ph.D. in a Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field.
• Evidence of effective teaching and ability to integrate industry practices into instruction is desirable.
• Maintain all required professional accreditation(s), certificate(s), or license(s) at the time of hire and throughout the entire five (5) year contract period.
• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform all duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a closely related field.

Additional Information:

This is a full‑time, 9‑month benefited position, beginning January 11, 2027. Application Deadline: September 13, 2026. Application review begins September 15, 2026.

This position is full‑time, 9‑month exempt, benefits‑eligible position in the Massachusetts State College Association (MSCA) bargaining unit. Salary commensurate with experience in accordance with Appendix O of the MSCA Contract. A reasonable starting salary range to expect for a new faculty member appointed at the rank of Professor of Practice is $65,000 to $80,000.

Fitchburg State University conducts criminal history, and sexual offenders record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Fitchburg State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy and CV and contact information for three professional references.