Applied Policy Analysis-Social Problems and Public Policy Making (APA 625)-Adjunct Lecturer

Job Description

Goucher College’s Graduate & Professional Studies seeks non-tenure-track adjunct faculty to teach the following graduate courses within the M.A. in Policy Analytics (MAPA) program. The course will be offered synchronously online (via Microsoft Teams), starting on January 25, 2027. We are particularly interested in candidates who can deepen our students’ understanding of the interactions between the practical use of analytical tools and methods for evaluating, designing, and improving public policies. Contracts for adjunct faculty are subject to renewal on a semester-by-semester basis, depending on factors such as enrollment, instructor availability and performance, and student success. 

Course Description: Social Problems and Public Policy Making (3 credits)

Social Problems and Public Policy-Making offers a critical examination of the relationship between social policy and social justice in the United States. The course explores the tension between universal and population-specific approaches to welfare provision and their implications for equity and inclusion. Students will analyze contemporary policy domains—including health care, economic inequality, racial justice, gender equity, and environmental justice—while situating them within broader processes of social, economic, and cultural developments. Students will develop and apply theoretical and empirical tools for analyzing political and ideological conflicts over social issues and their effect on policymaking.

Responsibilities

•      Teach all scheduled weekly sessions using the approved course description and learning outcomes.

•      Develop or adapt a syllabus, readings, assignments and rubrics.

•      Lead seminar-style discussion and critical analysis of policy cases, e.g. in health care, economic inequality, racial justice, gender equity and environmental justice.

•      Teach students to apply theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to policy debates, including universal versus targeted approaches to welfare provision.

•      Guide students through applied work such as policy briefs, stakeholder analyses or research papers.

•      Foster an inclusive classroom where students engage respectfully across differing political and ideological views.

•      Give timely, substantive feedback and submit final grades by university deadlines.

•      Hold regular office hours (virtual) and respond to student messages within 48 hours.

•      Maintain course materials and grades in the learning management system Canvas.

•      Follow university policies on academic integrity, accessibility accommodations and FERPA.

Requirements: 

A successful candidate would be able to begin teaching on January 25, 2027, and teach the course on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. Preference is given to candidates who have previously taught such a course and/or have substantial professional policy expertise.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field, such as public policy, political science, public administration, sociology, or a closely related field.

• Candidates with a master's degree and applicable work experience are highly encouraged to apply.

• Subject-matter expertise in U.S. social policy and at least one of the course's policy domains required.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion and respectful engagement with diverse perspectives in the classroom.

• Comfortable working with students from diverse disciplinary and professional backgrounds, including those without strong math or coding foundations and guide them through individual projects and team-based work.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• At least one year of experience teaching at the college level, M.A. level preferred.  

Preferred Qualifications/Experience: 

• Professional experience in policymaking, advocacy, government, nonprofit or community organizations.

• A record of research or applied work on topics such as health policy, poverty and inequality, racial or gender equity, or environmental justice.

• Skill with both qualitative and quantitative methods for policy analysis.

• Experience with online or hybrid teaching and active-learning techniques.

Salary: $1,260-$1,443 per credit

(dependent on OR commensurate with experience)

Application Instruction: Interested candidates should submit the following materials: 

• A curriculum vitae 
• A cover letter that contextualizes the candidate’s teaching experience, subject interests, and professional experience.
• Sample syllabus and teaching evaluations, if available.
• Contact information for two references. Recommendation will be solicited if selected for an interview. 

The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.   

For questions, contact Stefanie I. Kasparek ([email protected]).

Applicants must reside in: Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia.

Goucher College is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the USA. No Visa sponsorship is offered for this position. 

Goucher College is committed to increasing the equity of our community and seeks applicants dedicated to applying principles of equity and inclusion in all areas of the campus community.