Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) Full-time Tenure Track Faculty Position-Masters in Clinical Counseling--Online Program Apply Online 

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. 

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There may also be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches, and a robust wellness program.

Salary:

PLNU pays its faculty using a pay scale based on experience and academic rank.  Faculty salaries using this scale for a 3-semester appointment range from $87,210 to $142, 678. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position. 

Job Status:

Full time, 12-month

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PLNU is a vibrant Christian liberal arts university with an undergraduate and graduate student body of around 4000, including over 40% students of color. PLNU seeks to attract a culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled in teaching, clinical practice, and scholarship. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide quality educational and employment opportunities, PLNU actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented and marginalized groups. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The College of Health Sciences is seeking candidates for a full-time, three semester, tenure-track teaching position in Clinical Counseling. The University seeks an individual capable of excellent teaching and committed to significant involvement with students within and outside the classroom. The College of Health Sciences has a strong commitment to quality teaching, a passion for building Christian community with students, a tradition of high-impact academic practices, and experience using our skills for collaborative and interdisciplinary work.

The Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (MACC) degree is an online degree that takes students 24-48 months to complete, depending on the students’ selected completion track. The degree leads to both LMFT and LPCC licensure in the state of California, and meets the LPCC licensure requirements for AK, AZ, HI, ME, and TN . Our program is geared toward working adults offering 16 synchronous classes (via Zoom) and 8 asynchronous classes. To accommodate the needs of working adults, our synchronous classes are held between 4pm -9:15 pm PDT, on Monday - Wednesday. The course load is 27 units per year (three semesters, including summer) and will include teaching a wide variety of courses in Clinical Counseling, based on faculty expertise and needs of the program.

Our faculty have varied clinical and educational backgrounds and prioritize the personal and professional development of each student we serve. The mission of the MACC program is to develop compassionate counselors who lead with empathy and serve with humility. Our program seeks to foster meaningful connections between faculty and students that transcends distance. As such, we share in a relational, "high touch" community that invests deeply in our students and trains them to be competent clinicians and thriving, healthy individuals. Ideal candidates will possess a  doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision or Marriage and Family Therapy by August 2026, however doctoral candidates and those with an MA/MS with specialized experience are welcome to apply. In addition, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to clinical practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as ongoing professional development. The initial review of applications will begin on December 1st, 2026; virtual interviews will be conducted shortly thereafter. The review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Final candidates will conduct on-campus interviews in the spring of 2026. The anticipated start date is mid-August 2026. Academic rank, compensation levels and eligibility for tenure track will be based on degrees earned and related experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach 27 units of graduate-level clinical counseling courses throughout the year (three semesters, including summer).

• Advise and mentor students academically, spiritually, and professionally .

• Engage in scholarship of research and engage students where possible.

• Participate in departmental activities and governance.

• Serve on university faculty committees and perform other normal faculty duties

• Off-campus community engagement, including involvement in a Christian religious community.

Responsibilities breakdown to approximate:

75% Course preparation, instruction, grading, and mentoring students

20% Administrative tasks and meetings, including departmental and university service

5% Research responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) within the state of residence by start date with experience practicing psychotherapy. The applicant should be a professional that has no pending disciplinary actions. 

• • Non-California licensed candidates who are licensed in another state, will be expected to obtain licensure as an LPCC or LMFT in CA within 6 months of employment. 

• Master’s or doctoral degree that leads to licensure as an LMFT or LPCC or closely related field with clinical focus.

• Knowledge of instructional strategies and techniques appropriate to effective graduate-level and/or online teaching.  

• • Minimum of one year of teaching experience in higher education

• Demonstrates potential to draw upon clinical experience to augment classroom teaching.

• Demonstrates strong personal commitment to ethical therapeutic values as delineated by the codes of their licensing body

• Demonstrates strong commitment to modeling attunement to diversity, inclusiveness, and cultural humility in all aspects of teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and service.

• Demonstrates potential to successfully interact with students, other educators, educational institution representatives, and the general public in a warm and professional manner

• Potential  to engage in scholarly work, service, and teaching effectiveness commensurate with tenure track responsibilities.  See here for examples.

• Ability to teach synchronous zoom classes that are held between 4-9:30pm PDT. 

• Ability to travel to Point Loma Nazarene University’s San Diego campus 1-2 times a year.

• Evidence of Christian commitment, active church involvement, and commitment to the religious and educational goals of the university. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant. 

• Thorough commitment to the concept of Christian liberal arts education and a desire to work in a Christian university. Supportive of the religious and educational goals of the university and its sponsoring denomination.

• Must reside in a state approved for hire: CA, AL, AZ, CO, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NC, OH, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA & WI

PREFERRED, NOT REQUIRED

• Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D., or DMFT in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a closely related field preferred; Master’s degree in Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy with specialized experience. Doctoral candidates are encouraged  to apply.

• Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist or Professional Clinical Counselor in California. 

• Ability to travel to Point Loma Nazarene University’s San Diego campus to support local student events (e.g., student dinners). 

• Experience teaching online, synchronously and asynchronously.

• Active engagement in clinical practice and/or clinical supervision.

• Active participation in professional organizations that uphold the professional and educational goals of the program.

• Experience in supervising MFT/PCC practicum students. National certification in supervision is preferred.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:

• Phone/Zoom Interview

• Dialogue with students and faculty in the Clinical Counseling Online program.

• Lecture presented to faculty and students in the Clinical Counseling Online program and College of Health Sciences Faculty.

• Clinical case presentation to faculty of the Clinical Counseling Online program and College of Health Sciences Faculty. 

• Evidence of successful teaching

• Interview with the Academic unit leader

• Interview with the Dean of the College

• Interview with the Provost

• Interview with the President of the University

Special Instructions:

When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Personal Faith

• Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education

• Provide names and contacts for 3 references, at least one professional contact who can speak to your teaching potential (references will only be contacted if you are advanced as a finalist candidate)

• Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed 

• 3 Teaching Evaluations (if available)

If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu or the Search Committee at macconline@pointloma.edu.

Application Link

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.