Professor of Sociology

Professor of Sociology

Salary: $72,387.00 - $96,951.00 annually

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number:

Closing: 1/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Location: Merced College, CA

We are seeking a passionate educator to contribute to the growth of our Rising Scholars program and provide students with a rigorous and engaging academic experience through the study of Sociology. As a faculty member, you will develop and teach courses on sociology including topics such as social theory, social problems, social structures, diversity, inequality, and crime. You will play a key role in advancing the program, encouraging critical thinking, and helping students develop skills to engage thoughtfully with these important topics.

The primary teaching assignment will be in the prisons, with additional courses on the main campus or online as needed. The standard teaching load is 15 units per semester. The Merced College Rising Scholars program serves currently incarcerated students at two State Institutions:
Valley State Prison and Central California Women’s Facility, along with Juvenile Hall and the United States Federal Penitentiary (Atwater). We are seeking a socially‑conscious, equity‑minded individual to teach in our rapidly growing Rising Scholars Program. The successful candidate will bring a passion for this marginalized student population and must pass a background check with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

• Provide instruction in accordance with established course outlines and expectations.
• Inform students about course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance policy.
• Maintain required student attendance and scholastic records.
• Prepare and grade class assignments and examinations.
• Post and maintain regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy.
• Participate in the development and review of curriculum.
• Participate in the development of teaching‑learning methods and materials.
• Participate in departmental, area, and campus professional activities/committees.
• Participate in the college's learning outcomes assessment program, including course, program, and institutional assessments.
• Perform tasks needed for student records, e.g., submit grades on time to admissions and records.

• Master's degree in Sociology OR
• Bachelor's degree in Sociology AND master's degree in Anthropology, any Ethnic Studies, Social Work, or Psychology OR
• The equivalent.
• Must have sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

• A demonstrated ability and commitment to excellence in the teaching of sociological concepts and theories, including both practical and philosophical considerations.
• Experience in innovative teaching methods and curriculum development.
• Current technology skills related to teaching in the discipline and a willingness to pursue future technological developments.

Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at

• Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter).
• Resume.
• Legible, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired.
• List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted).
• Diversity Statement:
  The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population… (limit to one page).
• If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization.
• If applicable, equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Only the required documentation listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.

Applicants deemed highly qualified will be invited to…