External Applicant Instructions
Please upload your resume/CV for automatic population of information to your Kean application.
Your contact information, work experience and education will be automatically filled in. Please review all fields – you will need to verify that the data is accurate.
In the “My Experience” section, you will find a resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and any other supporting documents you may wish to submit.
Michael Graves College, Robert Busch School of Design
Adjunct Faculty
Kean University in Union, New Jersey has grown into a comprehensive, global institution of higher education serving a diverse enrollment of nearly 19,0000 students worldwide. Kean creates a world-class, innovative and inclusive society through equity and excellence in teaching, learning, global research and impactful public engagement.
Kean, a proud R2 Research University, continues its legacy as a top producer of teachers in New Jersey and is a growing educational hub in the fields of business, health care and technology. Its six colleges – the College of Business and Public Management; the College of Education; the College of Liberal Arts; the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology; Michael Graves College; and the College of Health Professions and Human Services - offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. Kean also offers six doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications.
The University is also a higher education innovator within the State of New Jersey, partnering with Ocean County College, in Toms River, New Jersey and Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft, New Jersey, to provide access for students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Kean. The Kean Skylands campus, located in Jefferson Township, New Jersey, is designed to serve as an outdoor living laboratory for field-based scientific study and other classroom and field instruction.
In October 2025, Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) signed a definitive agreement advancing a merger between the two state universities. The merger will position Kean as a statewide anchor institution and strengthens our ability to serve New Jersey’s diverse student population and uplift communities through education. The merger is currently progressing through the appropriate levels of approval, with a goal to complete this process by July 1, 2026.
We are excited to invite Adjunct applications for upcoming semesters. Please note that Adjunct faculty positions at Kean University are filled on an as-needed basis. Qualified candidates may be contacted if, and when, there is an available opening or possible future opening.
Advertising – to teach undergraduate courses such as Copywriting, Promotional Design and Social Media Design at the Kean Union campus. A minimum of five years of professional experience at an advertising agency is required.
Graphic Design – to teach foundational, intermediate and advanced studio and lecturer courses within the Graphic Design program in-person at the Kean Union campus. Fields of study may include Design Fundamentals, Brand Identity, Typography, Motion Design, UI/UX and Artificial Intelligence. Candidates with at least five years of professional experience in graphic design or related field is preferred.
Industrial Design – to teach foundational, intermediate and advanced studio and lecturer courses within the Industrial Design program in-person at the Kean Union campus. Fields of study may include Sustainability, Digital Fabrication, Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Physical Prototyping, UI/UX, Speculative Design and Design for Social Good. A minimum of five years of professional experience in industrial design or a related field is required.
Interior Design – to teach Introductory Design Studio within the Interior Design program at the Kean Union campus. Possessing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification certification (NCIDQ) is required. Prior teaching experience at the college level and participation in professional organizations such as ASID, IIDA, IDEC is preferred.
All adjunct positions are non-tenure track. They require a master’s degree in a related field and teaching experience unless otherwise indicated; candidates with an ABD, Ed.D., Ph.D. or other acceptable disciplinary doctorate are encouraged to apply. Proficiency in a Learning Management System is required, consistent with University guidelines.
Adjunct faculty teaching one three (3) or four (4) credit class shall provide at least one (1) hour of availability outside of the classroom per week for the duration of each semester/session taught by the adjunct faculty member. An additional thirty (30) minutes of availability shall be provided for each additional class taught during the semester/session. Availability may be in person or virtual and shall be scheduled by the adjunct faculty member, taking into account student needs. Adjunct faculty teaching fewer than three (3) credits shall provide at least thirty (30) minutes of availability outside of the classroom per week for the duration of each semester/session taught by the adjunct faculty member. Regardless of the number of credits an Adjunct faculty member is teaching, they may, at their discretion, provide additional office hours beyond the amounts required.
Kean University Adjuncts are paid in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement:
Effective September 2025, the rate of pay is: $2,100 per credit.
Effective September 2026, the rate of pay is: $2,225 per credit.
Beginning in their 13th semester taught, Adjuncts receive an additional $75 per credit.
Adjuncts are enrolled in a state administered retirement plan, when eligible, and may be eligible to enroll in the Part-Time State Health Benefits Program for medical and prescription drug coverage. Please visit this link for more information: Health Coverage for Adjuncts.
Please submit a cover letter (indicating availability for days, evenings or weekends and preferred campus location), resume and contact information for three professional references. A link to your portfolio should be included. Review of applications will begin immediately and be on-going. Official transcripts are required before appointment.
Attention current Kean University employees (including part-time Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Academic Specialists and Adjuncts): Please apply via the internal career site to ensure consideration as an internal candidate. To apply internally, please log into your Workday account and select the Career icon on your homepage to view available positions.
Additional Information
Employment at Kean requires working at any of our New Jersey campus locations or affiliated work sites, which may include, but not be limited to: the main campus in Union; Kean Ocean in Toms River; Kean Skylands in Jefferson Township; Kean Jersey City; Kean at Brookdale in Middletown Township; Manahawkin; Princeton; and Trenton. Location assignments will be based on operational and university needs. Faculty may also be assigned to teach online classes for Kean Global.
Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act (Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of our Reasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures.
Kean University participates in E-Verify. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: E-Verify.
Mission Statement
Kean University, New Jersey’s first Urban Research University, creates a world-class, innovative and inclusive society through equity and excellence in teaching, learning, global research, and impactful public engagement.
EEO/AA Statement
Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer
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