Human Development & Family Science - Full-Time, Tenure-Track Assistant Professor/Instructor

Job Details

Position Overview: 

The Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) program within the Department of Human Environmental Sciences is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin in August 2025. This position will support both the graduate programs in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Family and Child Studies, as well as the undergraduate HDFS program. The successful candidate must be licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and will play a key role in preparing graduate students for professional licensure, including the potential to provide clinical supervision and support practicum or internship experiences. In addition to teaching, the faculty member will contribute to the ongoing development of the MFT and HDFS programs, engage in scholarly research, and provide service to the department, college, university, and community. The position includes a balanced workload of teaching, research, advisement, and service, and is ideal for a candidate committed to delivering meaningful, student-centered educational experiences aligned with the mission and values of the college. 

College/Department Overview: 

The College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) is a diverse unit which offers 20 undergraduate and 30 graduate majors. CEPS is home to Oklahoma’s first teacher preparation academy and includes seven academic departments: Adult Education and Safety Sciences; Curriculum and Instruction; Donna Nigh Department of Advanced Professional and Special Services; Educational Sciences, Foundations and Research; Human Environmental Sciences; Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies and Psychology. 

Department Specific Essential Job Functions: 

The Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) program within the Department of Human Environmental Sciences is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor to teach a combination of online and face-to-face classes. The assistant professor’s area of focus will be in marriage and family therapy. Course curriculum includes Ethics in Family and Child Studies, Family Dynamics and Sexuality, Systemic Assessment, Parent Education, Families in Crisis, Research in HES and other courses which fulfill Oklahoma Licensing requirements for Marriage and Family Therapy. The candidate will have a license in marriage and family therapy, clinical supervision experience, a therapeutic foundation including evidence-based therapies, relational and systemic therapies, and at least 2 years of experience in providing clinical relational therapy. The course load is 12 credit hours a semester which will include research, advisement, assessment, online course development, grant writing, and record-keeping in accordance with university policies. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative manner with colleagues, maintain membership in professional organizations and build partnerships with campus programs and community leaders. Excellence in teaching and a demonstrated potential for scholarly activity is essential. 

Qualifications: 

A doctoral degree earned from a regionally accredited institution and a Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE) accredited program in Human Development and Family Science, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related field is required, or evidence of being on a clear trajectory toward completion. 
NOTE: If a doctorate is not obtained and submitted by the time of employment, the position rank will change to instructor. 

Experience/Education Required: 

A doctoral degree earned from a regionally accredited institution and a COAMFTE-accredited program in Human Development and Family Science, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related field is required. Additional requirements include a current Marriage and Family Therapy license and active membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Candidates should also have experience teaching in higher education, both face-to-face and online, using a learning management system.  

Experience/Education Preferred: 

Preferred qualifications include AAMFT membership, familiarity with COAMFTE accreditation standards, knowledge of Oklahoma MFT licensing requirements, and hold the AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation or status as a supervisor candidate. Individuals who are not licensed in the state of Oklahoma but are eligible to obtain the state license will also be considered. Additionally, experience using D2L for course delivery and instruction, along with demonstrated proficiency in oral, written, and digital communication. Familiarity with instructional technologies, including tools such as Office 365, is also desired. ABD candidates will be considered, with the expectation that the doctoral degree will be completed within one year of the start date. Candidates who hold the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential are preferred; however, individuals who are not currently certified but are willing to obtain the credential will also be considered. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and professional communities are essential for success in this role.  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

Possess excellent communication, problem solving, and organizational skills. Evidence of training or research in the areas of human development and family sciences, marriage and family therapy, and experience in clinical supervision with students. 

Physical Demands: 

Reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA requirements may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.