The Department of Communication Studies seeks adjunct faculty to teach up to one course per semester in our asynchronous online program. Courses will be in one of our four concentrations: 1) Media, Technology, & Popular Culture, 2) Rhetoric, Democracy, & Social Advocacy, 3) Leadership & Organizational Communication, and 4) Interpersonal, Community, & International Communication. Course assignments may include Social Science Research in Communication, Collaborative Communication, Leadership and Communication, Conflict Management and Communication, Critical Media Studies, Digital Media Cultures, Speeches and Social Change, Rhetorical Criticism, Communication Across Difference, Interpersonal Communication, International and Intercultural Communication, or Sport Communication. An adjunct instructor teaches one class per semester and will work with an instructional designer to develop their courses. Adjunct faculty are not eligible for benefits. Positions are available depending on enrollments/funding.
July 31, 2026
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The Department of Communication Studies at Colorado State University currently teaches more than 400 undergraduate majors, 16 M.A. students, and 20 Ph.D. students. The department houses the Colorado State University Center for Public Deliberation (www.cpd.colostate.edu) and hosts the Act Human Rights Film Festival (www.actfilmfest.org). The focus of the Department of
Communication Studies is how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. We believe the study of communication leads to personal development, career success, and responsible citizenship. The university, college, and department are committed to continuing to build a diverse and inclusive campus community. Candidates who can advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through teaching and service are encouraged to apply.
$2,500 to $8,750 per course, depending on enrollment, $5,000 stipend for course development.
Serve as the instructor of record for an online course with up to 30 students—delivering and developing asynchronous course content, designing and grading assignments, and communicating regularly with students.
Demonstrate excellence in online instruction.
Contribute to the department's expansion of our online curriculum.
Collaborate with Director of Online Programs, full-time faculty, and instructional designer to develop your portfolio of courses in alignment with departmental curriculum and CSU Online's Quality Matters criteria.
Other related duties as needed.
Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires)
This position does not supervise any employees
MA in Communication
Experience in online instruction of Communication Studies courses
Experience in course development
Evidence of excellence in teaching
PhD preferred
A complete application will include a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy, and sample syllabi from online courses.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.