Assistant Professor

California State University San Marcos expects to hire one (1) tenure-track assistant professor for Fall 2027 with expertise in Counseling or Clinical Psychology. The Psychology department at California State University San Marcos serves over 2000 students, offering two in-person Bachelor’s degrees (Psychological Science and Child and Adolescent Development) and two Master’s degrees (M.A. in Psychological Science and M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology).

In Fall 2026, the department is launching the Master’s degree program in Clinical Counseling Psychology, preparing students to pursue licensure as a professional clinical counselor (LPCC), to which this new hire will primarily contribute. The successful candidate will play a meaningful role in the continued development and long-term leadership of the program, including shaping its curriculum, supporting clinic development, and building relationships with community partners.

In addition, to support the program’s year-round operations, it is expected that affiliated faculty will participate in a rotating schedule of program-related responsibilities (e.g., summer teaching, evaluation of Master’s projects).

The department employs a teacher-scholar model (with tenure-line faculty teaching a 3-3 load), emphasizing psychology as an empirical science and the development of skills that include written and oral communication, information literacy, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and critical analysis of complex problems. Multicultural perspectives and ethical issues are integral to the department’s curriculum. The position offers opportunities to work closely with undergraduate and graduate students in a department that values high-quality teaching and collaborative, student-engaged scholarship.

• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or a closely related field prior to date of appointment (ABD applicants accepted; PhD required by August 2027). Applicants whose degree is in a related field should explain how their doctoral training prepares them to contribute to a psychology-based clinical counseling program and meet the responsibilities of the position.
• Applicants must have demonstrated evidence of teaching excellence at the university level (e.g., student evaluations/summaries, peer observation summaries), and should demonstrate preparation to teach graduate courses and evaluate Master’s projects in the M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology program that support students’ preparation for LPCC licensure.
• Only candidates who demonstrate an active, sustainable research program with opportunities for student involvement and the ability to supervise Master’s theses in the M.A. program will be considered.

• Evidence of ability to communicate, work, and serve our student body.
• Current license or license eligible as an LPCC, psychologist, or related mental health license in the state of California.
• The area of research focus is open; we particularly welcome applicants whose research program complements and enhances the department’s current strengths.
• Preference for the ability to teach needed courses in the Clinical Counseling Psychology program and within the existing undergraduate curriculum (e.g., related to abnormal psychology, child/adolescent development and policy, psychological assessment).
• Demonstration of intercultural competence and a commitment to serving a diverse campus community as it relates to teaching, research and/or service.

A review of applications will begin on November 2, 2026; however, the position will be open until filled.

CSUSM is proud to have received the Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award for 12 consecutive years…