Assistant Professor Jobs at Michigan State University with Visa Sponsorship
Assistant Professor jobs at Michigan State University span a wide range of disciplines, from STEM and social sciences to the arts and humanities. MSU has a well-established process for sponsoring international faculty, making it a realistic target for candidates who need H-1B visa, J-1 visa, or permanent residence support.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Area of Interest: Information Technology
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (90-100%)
Group: Fixed Term Faculty
Faculty/Academic Staff
Opening on: Jul 17 2026
Closing at: Jul 10 2028 - 23:55 EDT
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
College Of Communication Arts Sciences
Working/Functional Title
Ast Instructor/Inst/Ast Professor - Fixed Term
Position Summary
The Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University seeks applications for outstanding candidates at Assistant Instructor/Instructor/Assistant Professor rank to teach courses in media and information, if the need arises. Ideal candidates will be dynamic and engaging in the classroom and have demonstrated success in human-centered approaches to design, and engages with emerging technologies, such as (but not limited to) social networks, games, interactive media, virtual reality, and augmented reality. We value interests in socially relevant topics and improving peoples lives. Our ideal candidate integrates both "arts" and "sciences" in their work while recognizing the importance of inclusivity. The review of applications is ongoing and continuous. Please note that a position could be part-time or full-time and vary by semester, depending on the needs of the department. It is possible that no positions are needed in some semesters.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate - Media and Information or related field
Minimum Requirements
A Ph.D./Masters/Bachelors degree in relevant field. The selected individual will be hired at the title that aligns with their degree and experience qualifications. Equivalency will be based on the below criteria:
- Bachelor's degree is required for Assistant Instructor
- Master's degree is required for Instructor
- Ph.D. is required for Assistant Professor
- Demonstrated skills in areas related to the course content
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
Desired Qualifications
- Recognized or award-winning achievements in related areas of practice
- Teaching experience is strongly preferred
Required Application Materials
- CV
- Cover letter
- List of three professional references
Special Instructions
Applicants should submit the following materials: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae and 3) list of three professional references.
As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.
Professional Misconduct Review
A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.
The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.
Applications will be reviewed as needed.
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Department Statement
The Department is housed in MSU's world-renowned College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University. Established in 1955, as the first of its kind in the country, "ComArtSci" is now one of the largest and most respected colleges of Communication in the world. The College of Communication Arts and Sciences combines a research-intensive faculty with a strong professional mission to prepare students for rewarding careers and to influence the professional practice of communication globally.
Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is one of the world's leading public research-intensive institutions and a member of the Association of American Universities. The campus is located in East Lansing, Michigan, adjacent to the state capital and an hour from suburban Detroit. MSU is one of the nation's largest and greenest campuses and is in East Lansing, a college town just three miles from Michigan's capital, Lansing. Michigan, the Great Lakes State, offers countless things to do, see and experience; from art galleries, concerts and restaurants to gardens, parks, and trails. You needn't venture far to discover sandy beaches or metropolitan life.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Location: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Area of Interest: Information Technology
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (90-100%)
Group: Fixed Term Faculty
Faculty/Academic Staff
Opening on: Jul 17 2026
Closing at: Jul 10 2028 - 23:55 EDT
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
College Of Communication Arts Sciences
Working/Functional Title
Ast Instructor/Inst/Ast Professor - Fixed Term
Position Summary
The Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University seeks applications for outstanding candidates at Assistant Instructor/Instructor/Assistant Professor rank to teach courses in media and information, if the need arises. Ideal candidates will be dynamic and engaging in the classroom and have demonstrated success in human-centered approaches to design, and engages with emerging technologies, such as (but not limited to) social networks, games, interactive media, virtual reality, and augmented reality. We value interests in socially relevant topics and improving peoples lives. Our ideal candidate integrates both "arts" and "sciences" in their work while recognizing the importance of inclusivity. The review of applications is ongoing and continuous. Please note that a position could be part-time or full-time and vary by semester, depending on the needs of the department. It is possible that no positions are needed in some semesters.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate - Media and Information or related field
Minimum Requirements
A Ph.D./Masters/Bachelors degree in relevant field. The selected individual will be hired at the title that aligns with their degree and experience qualifications. Equivalency will be based on the below criteria:
- Bachelor's degree is required for Assistant Instructor
- Master's degree is required for Instructor
- Ph.D. is required for Assistant Professor
- Demonstrated skills in areas related to the course content
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
Desired Qualifications
- Recognized or award-winning achievements in related areas of practice
- Teaching experience is strongly preferred
Required Application Materials
- CV
- Cover letter
- List of three professional references
Special Instructions
Applicants should submit the following materials: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae and 3) list of three professional references.
As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.
Professional Misconduct Review
A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.
The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.
Applications will be reviewed as needed.
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Department Statement
The Department is housed in MSU's world-renowned College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University. Established in 1955, as the first of its kind in the country, "ComArtSci" is now one of the largest and most respected colleges of Communication in the world. The College of Communication Arts and Sciences combines a research-intensive faculty with a strong professional mission to prepare students for rewarding careers and to influence the professional practice of communication globally.
Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is one of the world's leading public research-intensive institutions and a member of the Association of American Universities. The campus is located in East Lansing, Michigan, adjacent to the state capital and an hour from suburban Detroit. MSU is one of the nation's largest and greenest campuses and is in East Lansing, a college town just three miles from Michigan's capital, Lansing. Michigan, the Great Lakes State, offers countless things to do, see and experience; from art galleries, concerts and restaurants to gardens, parks, and trails. You needn't venture far to discover sandy beaches or metropolitan life.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Tips for Finding Assistant Professor Jobs at Michigan State University
Align your credentials to MSU's tenure expectations
MSU evaluates Assistant Professor candidates on research output, teaching experience, and grant potential. Before applying, map your CV to the specific department's tenure criteria, since H-1B specialty occupation approval depends on your qualifications matching the role precisely.
Target departments with active doctoral programs
Departments running active PhD programs at MSU hire more frequently and have established relationships with the university's international faculty office. Positions in those units move faster from offer to visa filing than departments hiring on an ad hoc basis.
Understand how J-1 affects your long-term options
If you arrive on a J-1 exchange visitor visa, a two-year home residency requirement may apply. MSU can sponsor a waiver in some cases, but confirm this with the Office for International Students and Scholars before accepting an offer tied to J-1 status.
Get your offer letter before the October H-1B window
Cap-exempt employers like MSU can file H-1B petitions year-round with USCIS, so timing is more flexible than in the private sector. Still, securing your offer letter well before your intended start date gives the university's immigration office adequate time to prepare the I-129 petition.
Browse open Assistant Professor roles on Migrate Mate
MSU posts faculty positions across dozens of colleges simultaneously, and openings can close quickly. Use Migrate Mate to filter Assistant Professor listings at MSU by discipline and visa sponsorship type so you're applying to active roles that match your authorization needs.
Ask specifically about PERM timing during negotiations
If permanent residence is your goal, confirm with MSU's HR team whether the role qualifies for a PERM-based EB-2 or EB-3 filing. Faculty recruitment ads used in the hiring process must meet DOL advertising requirements, and the clock on those requirements starts at the job posting stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan State University sponsor H-1B visas for Assistant Professors?
Yes. As a large public research university, MSU qualifies as a cap-exempt employer, which means it can file H-1B petitions with USCIS at any point in the year without being subject to the annual lottery. This is a significant advantage for international faculty candidates, since cap-exempt filing removes the uncertainty of the April registration period entirely.
How do I apply for Assistant Professor jobs at Michigan State University?
MSU posts faculty openings through its central HR portal and individual college websites. Most Assistant Professor searches require a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and three to five letters of reference. You can also find and filter active sponsoring Assistant Professor listings at MSU through Migrate Mate, which shows only employers with a verified sponsorship track record for international candidates.
Which visa types does Michigan State University commonly use for Assistant Professor roles?
MSU regularly supports H-1B and J-1 visas for incoming faculty, and initiates PERM labor certification for EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card sponsorship once a faculty member is established. F-1 OPT and CPT are used for postdoctoral or graduate teaching roles that feed into faculty pipelines. TN visa classification is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals whose disciplines appear on the USMCA qualifying occupation list.
What qualifications does Michigan State University expect for Assistant Professor candidates?
A completed PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is the baseline requirement for most Assistant Professor positions at MSU. Departments also weigh your publication record, evidence of independent research funding, and teaching experience at the university level. In practice, candidates with at least one peer-reviewed publication and demonstrated grant activity are more competitive, particularly in STEM and social science departments.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a new Assistant Professor at MSU?
Once MSU extends a formal offer, the university's Office for International Students and Scholars coordinates the petition. An H-1B filing under cap-exempt status typically takes two to four months under standard USCIS processing, or can be expedited with premium processing in about 15 business days. PERM labor certification, if initiated for a Green Card, runs separately and can take one to two years depending on DOL processing backlogs.