Teaching Assistant Jobs at University of Minnesota with Visa Sponsorship
Teaching Assistant jobs at University of Minnesota span graduate-level instruction, lab facilitation, and course support across a large public research university. The university has an established process for sponsoring international Teaching Assistants across multiple visa categories, making it a realistic target for international candidates building academic careers in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication (HSJMC) in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs part-time instructors to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty or graduate students in strategic communication, journalism, and/or mass communication. These courses may be professional skills courses and/or professional seminars. These positions are temporary (one semester) and part-time (one course per semester).
The school is particularly interested in recruiting a diverse and inclusive pool of working professionals whose daily professional activities lend themselves to expertise relevant to curricula in the following areas: digital strategy and strategic communication; integrated campaign communication; management for strategic communication; podcasting; arts, community, local politics, and news reporting; editing for print and digital audiences; media design; and potentially other areas of the curricula. The Hubbard School has a growing undergraduate and professional MA in strategic communication. The School has known interests in reviewing applications from individuals with teaching experience in media brand planning and management, with a preference for an industry thought leader with expertise planning and executing diverse media plans to facilitate engagement and connection.
Appointments are made at the ranks of teaching specialist or lecturer, consistent with University policy and depending on qualifications and experience. Appointments may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance, curricular need, and availability of funding. This posting does not constitute a posting for specific vacancies but establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur for the 2024/25 academic year.
Openings for part-time teaching specialists and lecturers typically occur for day or evening semester courses during the academic year. Appointment dates for academic year 2026/27 are: fall semester 2026 (08/31/2026 to 01/13/2027); spring semester 2027 (01/14/2027 to 05/30/2027). Openings occasionally occur for courses offered during May Session and Summer Session as well.
Position Summary
Position Number: 281388 (Teaching Specialist) / 342714 (Lecturer)
Job Code: 9754I (Teaching Specialist) / 9753I (Lecturer)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- B.A. degree in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication/advertising, public relations, or a closely related field with an emphasis in journalism, mass communication, or strategic communication/advertising, or public relations.
- At least three (3) years of demonstrated successful professional experience in journalism, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced graduate or professional degree (M.A.) in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication/advertising, public relations, or a closely related field with an emphasis in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations.
- At least five (5) years of demonstrated successful professional experience in journalism, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations.
- Consistent with University policy, candidates with the B.A. degree (or equivalency) or the M.A. degree will be appointed at the teaching specialist level; candidates with a terminal professional degree, M.B.A, Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent will be appointed at the lecturer level.
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT
Substantial demonstrated and successful professional experience in journalism, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations may be substituted for the B.A. degree. Substantial demonstrated and successful professional experience may be demonstrated by both of the following: (A) Ten (10) or more years of demonstrated and successful professional experience in journalism, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations; (B) evaluation by a faculty committee that the professional achievement of the candidates constitutes equivalency with the required qualifications.
Consistent with University policy, candidates with the B.A. degree (or equivalency) or the M.A. degree will be appointed at the rank of teaching specialist; candidates with a terminal professional degree, M.B.A, Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent will be appointed at the rank of lecturer.
Candidates will be evaluated according to (A) extent of professional experience relevant to the course instructional need; (B) overall quality of professional experience in journalism, mass communication strategic communication/advertising, or public relations; (C) evidence of potential or ability to teach the course to meet Hubbard School and perform the assigned professional advising duties relevant to the position. References may be requested as additional evaluative information.
ABOUT HUBBARD SCHOOL
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass Communication. The Hubbard School offers majors in Strategic Communication - Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in Media and Information and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. and a Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication.
Housed in Murphy Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Hubbard Digital Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support graduate-level experimental research.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints—so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN CLA
Working in CLA
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, TWIN CITIES (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
INTRODUCTION
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication (HSJMC) in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs part-time instructors to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty or graduate students in strategic communication, journalism, and/or mass communication. These courses may be professional skills courses and/or professional seminars. These positions are temporary (one semester) and part-time (one course per semester).
The school is particularly interested in recruiting a diverse and inclusive pool of working professionals whose daily professional activities lend themselves to expertise relevant to curricula in the following areas: digital strategy and strategic communication; integrated campaign communication; management for strategic communication; podcasting; arts, community, local politics, and news reporting; editing for print and digital audiences; media design; and potentially other areas of the curricula. The Hubbard School has a growing undergraduate and professional MA in strategic communication. The School has known interests in reviewing applications from individuals with teaching experience in media brand planning and management, with a preference for an industry thought leader with expertise planning and executing diverse media plans to facilitate engagement and connection.
Appointments are made at the ranks of teaching specialist or lecturer, consistent with University policy and depending on qualifications and experience. Appointments may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance, curricular need, and availability of funding. This posting does not constitute a posting for specific vacancies but establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur for the 2024/25 academic year.
Openings for part-time teaching specialists and lecturers typically occur for day or evening semester courses during the academic year. Appointment dates for academic year 2026/27 are: fall semester 2026 (08/31/2026 to 01/13/2027); spring semester 2027 (01/14/2027 to 05/30/2027). Openings occasionally occur for courses offered during May Session and Summer Session as well.
Position Summary
Position Number: 281388 (Teaching Specialist) / 342714 (Lecturer)
Job Code: 9754I (Teaching Specialist) / 9753I (Lecturer)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- B.A. degree in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication/advertising, public relations, or a closely related field with an emphasis in journalism, mass communication, or strategic communication/advertising, or public relations.
- At least three (3) years of demonstrated successful professional experience in journalism, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced graduate or professional degree (M.A.) in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication/advertising, public relations, or a closely related field with an emphasis in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations.
- At least five (5) years of demonstrated successful professional experience in journalism, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations.
- Consistent with University policy, candidates with the B.A. degree (or equivalency) or the M.A. degree will be appointed at the teaching specialist level; candidates with a terminal professional degree, M.B.A, Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent will be appointed at the lecturer level.
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT
Substantial demonstrated and successful professional experience in journalism, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations may be substituted for the B.A. degree. Substantial demonstrated and successful professional experience may be demonstrated by both of the following: (A) Ten (10) or more years of demonstrated and successful professional experience in journalism, strategic communication/advertising, or public relations; (B) evaluation by a faculty committee that the professional achievement of the candidates constitutes equivalency with the required qualifications.
Consistent with University policy, candidates with the B.A. degree (or equivalency) or the M.A. degree will be appointed at the rank of teaching specialist; candidates with a terminal professional degree, M.B.A, Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent will be appointed at the rank of lecturer.
Candidates will be evaluated according to (A) extent of professional experience relevant to the course instructional need; (B) overall quality of professional experience in journalism, mass communication strategic communication/advertising, or public relations; (C) evidence of potential or ability to teach the course to meet Hubbard School and perform the assigned professional advising duties relevant to the position. References may be requested as additional evaluative information.
ABOUT HUBBARD SCHOOL
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass Communication. The Hubbard School offers majors in Strategic Communication - Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in Media and Information and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. and a Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication.
Housed in Murphy Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Hubbard Digital Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support graduate-level experimental research.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints—so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN CLA
Working in CLA
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, TWIN CITIES (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
Tips for Finding Teaching Assistant Jobs at University of Minnesota
Align your degree field to your TA section
University of Minnesota assigns Teaching Assistants to specific departments, and your graduate degree must match the subject area you'd be teaching. A mismatch between your credentials and the course subject can complicate specialty occupation determinations during H-1B or E-3 visa filing.
Secure a faculty sponsor before applying
Most TA appointments at large research universities flow through individual faculty or department graduate coordinators, not a central HR portal. Reaching out directly to professors whose research aligns with your background significantly increases your chances of a funded TA offer.
Clarify J-1 two-year home residency before accepting
Many international graduate TAs enter on J-1 exchange visitor status. If you're subject to the two-year home residency requirement, confirm this before accepting a TA offer, as it affects your ability to transition to H-1B or apply for a Green Card later.
Time your OPT activation around TA start dates
F-1 students can use pre-completion CPT or post-completion OPT to cover TA employment. USCIS requires OPT authorization before you begin work, so coordinate your EAD start date with the university's semester hiring calendar to avoid a gap in work authorization.
Confirm the department's H-1B filing timeline early
University of Minnesota departments vary in how early they initiate H-1B petitions for TA roles. Ask the graduate coordinator directly whether the department files cap-subject or cap-exempt petitions and what internal deadlines they follow, since universities qualify as cap-exempt employers under INA.
Use Migrate Mate to find open TA positions
TA openings at large universities are often posted across multiple departmental systems and disappear quickly. Search Migrate Mate to filter Teaching Assistant roles at University of Minnesota that are open to visa sponsorship, so you can apply before positions close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Minnesota sponsor H-1B visas for Teaching Assistants?
Yes. University of Minnesota sponsors H-1B visas for Teaching Assistant roles that qualify as specialty occupations, meaning the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. As a nonprofit educational institution, the university qualifies as a cap-exempt employer, so H-1B petitions for TA roles can be filed at any time of year without going through the annual lottery.
How do I apply for Teaching Assistant jobs at University of Minnesota?
TA positions are typically filled through individual departments rather than a single central portal. You can browse open Teaching Assistant roles at University of Minnesota filtered by visa sponsorship eligibility on Migrate Mate, then follow up directly with the relevant department's graduate coordinator or faculty contact. Applications generally require a CV, a statement of teaching interests, and proof of English language proficiency for international applicants.
Which visa types are commonly used for Teaching Assistant roles at University of Minnesota?
The most common visa pathways for Teaching Assistants at University of Minnesota are F-1 OPT and CPT for current international students, J-1 visa for exchange visitors, and H-1B for longer-term appointments. Australian nationals may be eligible for the E-3 visa. TN visa status is available to qualified Canadian and Mexican nationals in roles that meet treaty occupation criteria. For career-track academic appointments, EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visa pathways are also supported.
What qualifications are expected for Teaching Assistant positions at University of Minnesota?
Most TA roles require enrollment in or completion of a relevant graduate program. Departments typically expect subject matter competence in the course area, and international candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency, often through a university-administered test before being assigned teaching duties. Prior classroom experience, research background, or relevant industry experience can strengthen your candidacy, particularly for upper-division or lab-based TA sections.
How do I handle the transition from F-1 OPT to H-1B as a Teaching Assistant at University of Minnesota?
If you're working as a TA on F-1 OPT and want to continue beyond your OPT period, the university's international HR team typically initiates the H-1B petition on your behalf. Because the university is cap-exempt, the petition can be filed any time, not just in April. STEM OPT extension gives F-1 holders in qualifying fields up to 36 months of additional work authorization, which can bridge the gap while the H-1B is processed.