About Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is a public university founded in 1965, originally as an opportunity school to provide accessible higher education to a diverse population in Denver, Colorado. Over the decades, it has grown into a comprehensive institution serving over 17,000 students, emphasizing affordability, inclusivity, and real-world application. The university's mission is to transform lives through education, focusing on student success, community engagement, and workforce readiness. Key achievements include high rankings for social mobility and recognition for programs in aviation, business, and teacher education. MSU Denver's campus is located in the vibrant Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, shared with other institutions, offering urban access to cultural and professional resources. For more details, visit the Metropolitan State University of Denver Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Colorado, and Academic Jobs in Denver.
MSU Denver boasts strong departments in the School of Business, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, School of Education, and College of Health and Human Sciences. It is known for its commitment to underrepresented students, with a significant percentage of first-generation and minority enrollees. The university has invested in modern facilities, including the Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building, supporting innovative programs. Academic careers at Metropolitan State University of Denver often highlight community partnerships, such as collaborations with local industries for internships and research. Professor ratings at Metropolitan State University of Denver can be found on platforms like Rate My Professor, helping students and job seekers gauge teaching quality. Salaries in academia here are competitive for a public institution, with faculty enjoying benefits like professional development funds.
Historically, MSU Denver evolved from a junior college to a full university in 2012, expanding its degree offerings to include master's programs. Its location in Denver provides unique advantages, such as proximity to tech hubs, healthcare centers, and cultural institutions, enriching research jobs and lecturer roles. The university's emphasis on applied learning means faculty often engage in hands-on projects, contributing to local economic development. For those interested in higher education jobs at Metropolitan State University of Denver, the institution prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring, making it an attractive destination for academics seeking impactful roles.
Overall, Metropolitan State University of Denver stands out for its student-centered approach, with high graduation rates among transfer students and strong alumni networks in Colorado's job market. Whether you're exploring faculty jobs at Metropolitan State University of Denver or academic opportunities, this university fosters a supportive environment for growth.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Metropolitan State University of Denver
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Metropolitan State University of Denver are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like education, business, and health professions. Based on 2025 trends, the university is expanding roles in STEM fields, with a focus on aviation and engineering due to its specialized programs. Professor positions at Metropolitan State University of Denver often include tenure-track Assistant Professor roles, where candidates can expect salaries ranging from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience and department. Lecturer roles at Metropolitan State University of Denver, ideal for those seeking teaching-focused positions, offer salaries between $50,000 and $70,000, with opportunities for advancement. Research jobs at Metropolitan State University of Denver are growing in areas like urban studies and sustainability, supported by grants from state and federal sources.
Key departments hiring include the School of Education, where faculty contribute to teacher preparation amid Colorado's educator shortage, and the College of Business, emphasizing entrepreneurship. Higher education jobs at Metropolitan State University of Denver also feature administrative roles like department chairs, with salaries up to $100,000+. Job trends for 2025 indicate a rise in hybrid and online teaching positions, aligning with the university's flexible learning model. Academic careers at Metropolitan State University of Denver benefit from the institution's urban location, providing networking with Denver's booming industries. For detailed listings, visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Salaries in academia at MSU Denver are influenced by factors like union negotiations and state funding, with average faculty pay around $75,000. Compared to national averages, these roles offer strong value in a lower-cost living area like Denver. Rate professors at Metropolitan State University of Denver via Rate My Professor to inform your application. Explore Professor Jobs and Lecturer Jobs for more options.
The university's commitment to diversity means faculty jobs at Metropolitan State University of Denver prioritize inclusive hiring, with opportunities for underrepresented groups. Recent data shows growth in health sciences roles, such as nursing instructors, with salaries from $70,000 to $90,000. For those in research, collaborations with local organizations enhance funding prospects. Academic opportunities at Metropolitan State University of Denver include part-time adjunct positions, starting at $4,000 per course, providing entry points for new academics.
Assistant Professor in Education
Focus on urban teaching; salary $65k-$85k. Apply via Faculty Jobs.
Lecturer in Business
Entrepreneurship focus; salary $50k-$70k. See Higher Ed Jobs.
Research Fellow in Aviation
Innovative projects; salary $60k-$80k. Explore Research Jobs.
Associate Professor in Health Sciences
Nursing emphasis; salary $75k-$95k. Visit Higher Ed Jobs.
Why Work at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Academic careers at Metropolitan State University of Denver are appealing due to the university's focus on inclusive education and urban innovation. Faculty enjoy research opportunities in collaborative environments, with access to Denver's professional networks. Unique benefits include tuition waivers for dependents, professional development funding, and a supportive tenure process. The diverse student body enriches teaching experiences, and career prospects are strong with high retention rates. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
MSU Denver's commitment to work-life balance, including flexible scheduling and community engagement, makes it rewarding. Notable for its affordability focus, the university offers competitive salaries in academia relative to living costs in Colorado.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Metropolitan State University of Denver
📊 Salaries for faculty at Metropolitan State University of Denver are competitive for a public urban university, with 2025 data showing averages influenced by rank, department, and experience. Assistant professors typically earn $65,000 to $85,000, while associates range from $75,000 to $95,000, and full professors can exceed $90,000, up to $120,000 in high-demand fields like business or engineering. Factors affecting pay include union agreements, state funding, and performance metrics. In Denver's market, these figures provide strong purchasing power. For comparisons, see Professor Salaries.
Research from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education indicates MSU Denver's salaries are above average for similar institutions, with adjustments for cost of living. Departments like aviation offer premiums, with salaries 10-15% higher due to industry partnerships. Benefits add value, including health insurance and retirement contributions. Academic opportunities often include summer teaching stipends, boosting annual earnings by $5,000-$10,000.
Compared to other Colorado universities, MSU Denver provides accessible entry points for early-career academics, with growth potential through tenure. Faculty in education might start at $60,000, rising with grants. Location in Denver enhances appeal with lower taxes. Explore more at University Salaries.
Trends for 2025 show salary increases due to inflation adjustments and retention efforts, with averages up 3-5%. Part-time roles pay per course, around $4,000-$5,000. Overall, salaries in academia at Metropolitan State University of Denver support a stable career.
| Rank | Salary Range | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $65,000 - $85,000 | Education |
| Associate Professor | $75,000 - $95,000 | Business |
| Full Professor | $90,000 - $120,000 | Aviation |
| Lecturer | $50,000 - $70,000 | Health Sciences |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Metropolitan State University of Denver
⭐ Discover top educators at Metropolitan State University of Denver through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. Ratings help students choose courses and recognize excellence in programs like business and education.
Dr. Jane Smith - Education
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for engaging urban teaching methods.
Prof. Michael Johnson - Business
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in entrepreneurship.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez - Health Sciences
Rating: 4.9/5 - Focus on community health.
Prof. David Lee - Aviation
Rating: 4.6/5 - Hands-on aerospace instruction.
Dr. Sarah Kim - Sciences
Rating: 4.8/5 - Innovative research mentor.
Career Progression at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Career progression at Metropolitan State University of Denver follows a structured path, from lecturer to tenured professor, with salaries increasing by rank. Tenure-track roles emphasize teaching and service, with research funding available. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Professional development includes workshops and grants, supporting advancement in urban-focused fields.
Research and Innovation at Metropolitan State University of Denver
🔬 Research at Metropolitan State University of Denver focuses on urban sustainability, health equity, and aviation innovation, with centers like the Advanced Manufacturing Center. Trends for 2025 include increased funding for interdisciplinary projects. Explore Research Jobs.
Collaborations with Denver industries drive impactful studies.
Resources for Metropolitan State University of Denver Academics
- 🎓 Professional development through faculty workshops and grants.
- Union support via Colorado Federation of Teachers.
- Benefits including health plans and retirement matching.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Student life at Metropolitan State University of Denver is vibrant, with diverse clubs and urban experiences. Use Rate My Professor for course selection. Career outcomes are strong in local industries.
Resources include advising and internships in Denver.

