Part-Time Faculty - Economics

The University of Southern Maine is seeking qualified applicants for a part-time faculty position in Economics for the Spring 2027 semester, beginning January 19, 2027.

The successful candidate will teach one or two in-person sections of Microeconomics. There may also be opportunities to teach additional Economics courses based on departmental needs and the candidate’s qualifications.

We are seeking a student-focused instructor who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus available for reference.

Courses to be taught may include but are not limited to: 

Introduction to Microeconomics (ECO 102): Economics is a social science that explores human behavior and social systems. Microeconomics studies how people make decisions in response to their incentives, along with the outcomes that result from individuals’ choices and the economic forces and institutions that influence them. It provides a framework for understanding how policy can change societal outcomes by altering incentives and therefore the choices that people make. Students will learn topics such as supply and demand, externalities, market power, consumer choice, firm behavior, inequality, the minimum wage, and other labor market issues. Students will explore a variety of perspectives by examining theoretical concepts, modeling economic relationships, and discussing real-world issues.

Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECO 101): Economics is a social science that explores human behavior and social systems. Macroeconomics studies some of society’s biggest issues by examining how the economy as a whole operates. How can we improve the standard of living in our country and around the world? Why aren’t there always enough jobs to employ everyone who is willing and able to work? How can the government implement economic policy to limit unemployment, curtail inflation, and generally improve lives? These are some of the important questions that this course will address. Students will learn monetary and fiscal policy, international trade and globalization, the business cycle, competing theories of the government’s role in the economy, poverty, and inequality. Students will explore a variety of perspectives by examining theoretical concepts, modeling economic relationships, and discussing real-world issues.

The University of Southern Maine’s Economics Program provides students with a strong foundation in economic theory, data analysis, and policy evaluation. Emphasizing real-world applications, the program prepares graduates for careers in business, government, and nonprofit sectors. With a focus on critical thinking and quantitative skills, students engage in experiential learning opportunities and benefit from close faculty mentorship.

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience, as determined by the Part-Time Faculty Association of Maine (PATFA), an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union. To view the Credit Hour Rates for AY 2026, please refer to the PATFA Contract. Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System.  In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality. 

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness. 

Required Qualifications: 

• A completed Master’s Degree in Economics. 
• Previous teaching at the College level is preferred but not required.

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae or resume 
• Finalist candidates will be asked for contact information for three professional references.

We will begin reviewing applications on an ongoing basis. 

This position will remain open until filled.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.