Position Summary
The Teaching Specialist in MSU Landscape Architecture program will play a key role in advancing the program's educational mission. The successful candidate will address emerging issues in landscape architecture and contribute to a curriculum that emphasizes professional education in the field. Proficiency in teaching core courses is essential. We are especially interested in a candidate whose teaching can emphasize, but is not limited to, traditional and digital communication courses, introductory landscape architecture courses, and design studios. In addition, the successful candidate will oversee our study abroad program, contribute to curriculum development, and actively promote belonging in education. Engaging with students, providing mentorship, advising, and supporting their academic and professional growth will be integral components of this role. Collaborating with faculty to help steer the program's direction and ensure its ongoing growth and excellence is another key aspect of this position.
As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.
A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.
The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Landscape Architecture or related field.
Minimum Requirements
Candidate must have either: 1) a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA) from an accredited degree program, or 2) an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Landscape Architecture degree plus a terminal Master’s degree in a related field at the start of employment. Ability to teach core courses in landscape architecture is essential. Furthermore, the successful candidate should demonstrate a proven or track record (or potential) of teaching activities that may contribute to the interdisciplinary focus of SPDC.
Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates who have professional landscape architecture licensure and professional experiences in Landscape Architecture or a related design field. Outstanding landscape architectural design and communication skills are desired.
Required Application Materials
All candidates for the position must apply online at http://careers.msu.edu/. Applicants for this position should submit 1) a formal letter of interest addressing your teaching philosophy including summary of your professional experience and skills, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a one-page statement that describes how you will contribute to CANR’s positive culture, fair access to resources, and creating a sense of belonging , and 4) the names and contact information for three references (letters are not initially required, but these individuals will be approached for letters before the final interviews).
Special Instructions
Questions regarding this position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Fatemeh Saeidi-Rizi, saeidiri@msu.edu, 517-432-6379. Contact for administrative inquiries: Ms. Mary Beth Graebert, lakemary@msu.edu, 517-353-5274.
Review of Applications Begins On
11/01/2026
Department Statement
The School of Planning, Design, and Construction unites four academic programs related to the built environment: Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning, with 46 faculty and academic specialists, and 7 staff members. The School offers 9 degree pathways from Bachelors to Ph.D. – including 5 professionally accredited degrees with over 600 undergraduate and 70 graduate students. The School is administered by the Colleges of Agriculture & Natural Resources.
The mission of the School is to advance the knowledge, prepare innovative leaders, and support the practice of planning, design, and construction. Our academic activities address sustainability, health, transportation, economic development and communities. Please refer to the School’s homepage available at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
