Postsecondary Sociology Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the contemporary academic landscape, the role of postsecondary sociology professors has become increasingly important.

As societies evolve and transform, the demand for learned individuals who can dissect, illuminate, and teach about social structures grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a postsecondary sociology professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of teaching sociology at a postsecondary level,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable postsecondary sociology professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Postsecondary Sociology Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Postsecondary Sociology Professors teach sociology courses at the undergraduate or graduate level in colleges or universities, conduct original research, and publish their findings in academic journals.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing engaging instructional methods and materials to facilitate learning in the field of sociology
• Conducting lectures, workshops, and seminars to deliver course content
• Evaluating and grading students’ class work, assignments, papers, and examinations
• Conducting research in their specific field of knowledge and publishing their findings in scholarly papers and books
• Staying updated on current research and developments in the field of sociology
• Advising students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and postsecondary plans
• Supervising undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work
• Contributing to the development, planning and implementation of a high-quality curriculum
• Participating in campus and community events, departmental meetings, and committee work
• Collaborating with colleagues to address teaching and research issues

 

Postsecondary Sociology Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Postsecondary Sociology Professor to join our faculty.

Your role will include instructing students on the principles and theories of sociology, conducting original research, and publishing findings in academic journals.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a passion for teaching and a commitment to developing students’ critical thinking and understanding of societal structures and trends.

 

Responsibilities

• Deliver lectures on sociology topics, including social norms, social development, and social behavior
• Design and develop curriculum and coursework, ensuring alignment with the latest theories and research in sociology
• Conduct original research in the field of sociology
• Publish research findings in academic journals and present at conferences
• Assess and grade student performance, providing constructive feedback
• Maintain office hours to advise and assist students
• Participate in faculty and college committee activities
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in sociology
• Contribute to the development of the sociology department

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Sociology or a related field
• Proven experience as a professor or lecturer in sociology
• Published research in recognized academic journals
• Strong knowledge of sociology theories and methodologies
• Experience with online teaching platforms and methods, such as Blackboard or Canvas
• Excellent presentation and teaching skills
• Ability to inspire and motivate students
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Postsecondary Sociology Professor
• Work Environment: This position is typically based on a university campus. Some online teaching may also be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head of Sociology.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university guidelines.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your teaching philosophy and research interests, and three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Postsecondary Sociology Professor Do?

A Postsecondary Sociology Professor typically works in universities or colleges where they teach courses in sociology to undergraduate or graduate students.

Their role involves designing and delivering lectures on various topics in sociology, such as social behavior, human societies, and social institutions.

They may also teach specialized courses based on their own research interests or expertise, such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, or urban sociology.

In addition to teaching, Postsecondary Sociology Professors also conduct research in their field, often publishing their findings in academic journals.

They may also present their research at conferences and seminars.

Their duties also include developing and grading exams, assigning and assessing projects and papers, and guiding students in their own research projects or theses.

They hold office hours to provide academic advice and support to students.

Beyond these, they often participate in faculty meetings, serve on academic or administrative committees, and contribute to the development of curriculum and educational policies in their department or institution.

Postsecondary Sociology Professors may also be involved in public sociology, applying their sociological knowledge to address societal issues and contributing to public debates on social problems.

They may also work as consultants to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

 

Postsecondary Sociology Professor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Postsecondary Sociology Professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of sociology, including its theories, methodologies, and relevant literature.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively deliver lectures, guide discussions, and communicate complex sociological concepts to students.
• Research skills to conduct thorough investigations and studies in various sociology topics and share insights with students and academic community.
• Interpersonal skills to foster a supportive learning environment and engage with students, colleagues, and academic staff on a day-to-day basis.
• Ability to evaluate and assess student progress effectively, providing constructive feedback and guidance for improvement.
• Curriculum development abilities to create engaging and informative lesson plans that align with educational standards and objectives.
• Strong organizational skills to manage course materials, grades, and other academic records efficiently.
• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning, staying up-to-date with current research and theory in sociology.

 

Postsecondary Sociology Professor Experience Requirements

Aspiring Postsecondary Sociology Professors typically begin their careers by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology or a related field, and then go on to obtain a Master’s degree.

Gaining a Ph.D. in Sociology is generally considered a necessity for those wishing to teach at the university level.

During their Ph.D., candidates often gain experience through teaching assistantships, where they assist professors with large classes, grading, and sometimes even leading discussion sessions.

This experience helps them to develop the necessary skills for classroom management, curriculum development, and student engagement.

After obtaining their Ph.D., candidates typically begin their career in academia as a Postdoctoral Fellow or an Assistant Professor.

This position often lasts for several years, allowing them to gain substantial teaching and research experience.

For those aiming for tenured professor positions, it is important to have a strong record of published research in reputable academic journals and professional contributions to the field.

This typically requires several years of experience in the academic field.

Additionally, any experience serving on academic committees, developing and implementing curriculum, mentoring students, and contributing to the administrative responsibilities of a university department can be valuable for the role of a Postsecondary Sociology Professor.

Universities often seek candidates with a robust combination of teaching, research, and administrative experience.

Therefore, it is not uncommon for a postsecondary sociology professor to have 5 to 10 years of experience in the academic field.

 

Postsecondary Sociology Professor Education and Training Requirements

To become a Postsecondary Sociology Professor, a doctoral degree in Sociology or a closely related field is typically required.

Throughout their doctoral program, prospective professors will study a range of sociological theories and research methods.

They are expected to write a thesis or dissertation, which involves conducting original research in their area of specialization.

In addition to a doctoral degree, some universities may require post-doctoral experience.

This involves working under the supervision of experienced professors to gain teaching experience and further research skills.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for this role, as professors must be able to present complex sociological theories and research findings in a way that is understandable to their students.

While not always required, having published research in reputable academic journals can boost a candidate’s job prospects.

It not only demonstrates expertise in a particular area of sociology but also suggests an ability to contribute to the university’s research output.

Finally, some institutions may prefer candidates who have some form of teaching certification, although this is not universally required.

Such certification programs help develop effective teaching strategies and classroom management skills, thereby enhancing the learning experience for students.

Continuous professional development in the form of attending academic conferences, workshops, and seminars is also beneficial for staying updated with the latest research and advancements in the field of sociology.

 

Postsecondary Sociology Professor Salary Expectations

A Postsecondary Sociology Professor earns an average salary of $79,540 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary significantly depending on factors such as the professor’s level of experience, the location of the institution, and the prestige of the institution itself.

 

Postsecondary Sociology Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Postsecondary Sociology Professor need?

A Postsecondary Sociology Professor typically needs a Ph.D. in sociology or a related field.

Some institutions may accept candidates with a master’s degree, especially for part-time or adjunct roles.

Previous teaching or research experience in the field of sociology is also often required.

 

What are the daily duties of a Postsecondary Sociology Professor?

Postsecondary Sociology Professors generally spend their days teaching courses in sociology, preparing lesson plans, and grading student work.

They also conduct research in their area of expertise, publish their findings in academic journals, and stay updated on developments in the field.

Additional responsibilities may include providing academic guidance to students, serving on academic or administrative committees, and participating in professional conferences or workshops.

 

What qualities make a good Postsecondary Sociology Professor?

A good Postsecondary Sociology Professor has a deep understanding of sociological theories and concepts, and the ability to effectively teach these to students.

They should have strong research skills, be comfortable speaking in front of large groups, and be able to engage students in learning.

Patience, empathy, and good listening skills are also valuable, as they often work with students of varying abilities and backgrounds.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Postsecondary Sociology Professor?

Hiring a Postsecondary Sociology Professor can be challenging due to the specific educational requirements and experience needed.

In addition, finding candidates who have both a strong academic background in sociology and the ability to effectively teach and inspire students can be difficult.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for research, and a supportive academic community can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Do Postsecondary Sociology Professors need to do research?

Yes, conducting research is typically a significant part of a Postsecondary Sociology Professor’s role.

Many are expected to contribute to the field by conducting original research, publishing their findings in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and often supervising student research.

Their research can also inform and enrich their teaching.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the heart of what it means to be a postsecondary sociology professor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about lecturing in classrooms.

It’s about shaping young minds and societies, one theory at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive postsecondary sociology professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for crafting precise listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every sociological theory is a part of the bigger societal structure.

Let’s shape that society. Together.