About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
About the Department of Computer Sciences
The Department of Computer Sciences is a dynamic and innovative department, with 12 full-time tenure-track/tenured and lecturing professors. Our faculty members are recognized leaders in their fields, frequently interviewed by TV programs for their expert insights and have received prestigious NSF funding and external industry funding. Our faculty members are actively engaged in many conferences, including in Computer Science Research and Computer Science Education.
The department offers BS in Computer Science, BS in Data Science and Machine Learning, as well as interdisciplinary programs in Cybersecurity. Additionally, the department is home to numerous student clubs that foster community, innovation, and professional development among our students. For more information about the Department of Computer Sciences in our College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/computer-sciences.
Position Summary
Join MSU Denver’s forward-thinking Cybersecurity Master’s Program as a part-time affiliate instructor, contributing to a curriculum that blends academic rigor with industry relevance.
Responsibilities
Teach graduate-level courses in cybersecurity
Develop and update curriculum to reflect cutting-edge industry practices
Engage in collaborative teaching and learning experiences
An affiliate faculty member’s duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.
Required Qualifications
Doctorate in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field preferred. Alternatively, a master's degree in the above fields combined with minimum three years of industry experience in cybersecurity
Demonstrated ability in education, technical skills, creative problem-solving, teamwork, and implementing cybersecurity solutions
Excellent communication skills and familiarity with national cybersecurity educational frameworks
Preferred Qualifications
Industry and higher education teaching experience
Relevant cybersecurity certifications
Terms of Employment
Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University’s benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.
Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.
Salary for Announcement
The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
For more information, please view pay rates under the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design: Affiliate-Rates-AY-25-26.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver’s career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following materials:
Curriculum vitae
Teaching philosophy statement with a focus on cybersecurity education
Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student evaluations, peer reviews)
A list of three professional references and their contact information
Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.
IT & Security (1)