About Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University (CMU), founded in 1892 as the Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute, has evolved into a comprehensive public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States. Initially established to train teachers, CMU now offers over 200 academic programs across seven colleges, including the College of Business Administration, College of Education and Human Services, College of Health Professions, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of Medicine, College of Science and Engineering, and College of the Arts and Media. The university's mission is to provide transformative education, foster innovation, and contribute to the public good through research and community engagement.
Key achievements include its designation as a doctoral/research-intensive university by the Carnegie Foundation, with notable strengths in fields like neuroscience, environmental science, and entrepreneurship. CMU operates a main campus in Mount Pleasant spanning 871 acres, along with satellite locations and online programs. The university enrolls approximately 15,000 students and is known for its commitment to experiential learning, including study abroad and internship opportunities. For more details, visit the Central Michigan University Website. Explore related academic opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Michigan, and Academic Jobs in Mount Pleasant.
CMU's history reflects a dedication to accessibility and excellence, transitioning from a normal school to a full university in 1959. It has produced notable alumni in politics, business, and entertainment, and its research initiatives have garnered millions in funding. The campus features modern facilities like the Biosciences Building and the College of Medicine, supporting cutting-edge work in health sciences. Whether you're a prospective faculty member or student, CMU offers a vibrant community focused on academic careers at Central Michigan University, professor positions Central Michigan University, and higher education jobs Central Michigan University.
For insights into faculty and teaching quality, check out professor ratings on Rate My Professor. AcademicJobs.com provides resources for academic opportunities, including lecturer roles Central Michigan University and research jobs Central Michigan University.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University offers a wide array of faculty job opportunities, particularly in high-demand areas such as health professions, education, business, and science and engineering. Based on recent trends for 2025, the university is expanding positions in STEM fields, with a focus on interdisciplinary research. For instance, the College of Science and Engineering frequently hires for assistant professor roles in biology and chemistry, while the College of Medicine seeks clinical faculty in areas like family medicine and public health. Lecturer positions are common in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, covering subjects like psychology and communication.
Job trends indicate growth in online and hybrid teaching roles, reflecting CMU's commitment to accessible education. Research fellows and postdocs are in demand for projects in neuroscience and environmental sustainability, supported by grants from organizations like the National Science Foundation. Salary ranges for 2025, based on data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and university reports, typically start at $65,000-$75,000 for assistant professors, rising to $85,000-$100,000 for associate professors, and $110,000+ for full professors, varying by department and experience. Factors like tenure track and location in Michigan influence compensation, with additional benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.
Pursue professor positions Central Michigan University or lecturer roles Central Michigan University through AcademicJobs.com's filtered searches. For example, faculty in the College of Education at Central Michigan University often engage in teacher training programs, while research jobs Central Michigan University emphasize collaborative projects. Explore higher education jobs Central Michigan University and academic careers at Central Michigan University to find your fit. Visit Higher Ed Jobs or Lecturer Jobs for listings.
CMU's hiring emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with opportunities for adjunct professors in community college-style programs. Recent data shows an uptick in hires for the College of Health Professions, driven by healthcare demands. Whether you're seeking tenure-track roles or temporary positions, Central Michigan University provides competitive academic opportunities. For salary details, check Professor Salaries.
Assistant Professor in Biology 💼
Focus on research in ecology; salary $70,000-$80,000.
Lecturer in Business Administration 💼
Teach undergraduate courses; salary $60,000-$70,000.
Research Fellow in Neuroscience 💼
Grant-funded projects; salary $50,000-$60,000.
Associate Professor in Education 💼
Tenure-track with teaching load; salary $85,000-$95,000.
Why Work at Central Michigan University
Working at Central Michigan University offers a rewarding blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and community impact. Faculty benefit from a supportive environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Fabiano Botanical Garden and the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island. Unique perks include professional development funds, sabbatical opportunities, and a focus on work-life balance in the scenic Mount Pleasant area. CMU's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration fosters career growth, with strong support for grant applications and publications.
Academic careers at Central Michigan University are appealing due to competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to diversity. The university's location in Michigan provides affordable living and proximity to natural attractions, enhancing quality of life. Explore why faculty jobs Central Michigan University stand out through Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Central Michigan University
Faculty salaries at Central Michigan University are competitive within the Midwest region, influenced by factors like academic rank, department, experience, and funding availability. According to 2025 projections from sources like AAUP salary surveys and university data, assistant professors earn an average of $70,000-$80,000 annually, with higher ranges in high-demand fields like medicine ($80,000-$90,000). Associate professors typically see $85,000-$100,000, while full professors command $110,000-$140,000, especially in business or engineering. Adjunct and lecturer roles range from $50,000-$65,000 for full-time equivalents.
Location in Michigan affects pay, with cost-of-living adjustments and union negotiations playing roles. For example, salaries in the College of Medicine are boosted by clinical duties, often exceeding $120,000 for experienced faculty. Benefits add value, including tuition remission and retirement matching. Compared to national averages, CMU offers solid compensation for public universities, with trends showing increases due to inflation and talent retention efforts. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries.
Factors impacting pay include publication records, grant funding, and teaching evaluations. In 2025, expect growth in salaries for STEM roles amid national shortages. Salaries Central Michigan University academia reflect the institution's commitment to attracting top talent. Explore more on faculty salaries Central Michigan University through AcademicJobs.com resources.
Additional perks like housing allowances and professional development stipends enhance total compensation. Data from recent years shows a 3-5% annual increase, aligning with state budgets. For academics considering Central Michigan University, these ranges provide a strong foundation for career planning.
| Rank | Average Salary 📊 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70,000-$80,000 | Science & Engineering |
| Associate Professor | $85,000-$100,000 | Education |
| Full Professor | $110,000-$140,000 | Medicine |
| Lecturer | $50,000-$65,000 | Liberal Arts |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Central Michigan University
Discover and rate top educators at Central Michigan University using AcademicJobs.com's Rate My Professor platform. This tool helps students and academics evaluate teaching quality, course difficulty, and overall impact, aiding in course selection and recognizing excellence in programs like education and health sciences.
Dr. Gary Dunbar - Neuroscience
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Known for engaging lectures in brain research.
Dr. Jane Smith - Business
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - Expertise in entrepreneurship programs.
Prof. Michael Johnson - Education
Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐ - Focus on innovative teaching methods.
Dr. Emily Davis - Environmental Science
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ - Leads sustainability initiatives.
Prof. Robert Lee - Psychology
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Renowned for clinical psychology courses.
Career Progression at Central Michigan University
Career progression at Central Michigan University follows a structured path from adjunct or lecturer roles to tenure-track positions, with opportunities for advancement to department chairs and administrative roles. Tenure-track faculty typically start as assistant professors, advancing based on research output, teaching excellence, and service. Research funding is robust, with CMU securing over $20 million annually for projects in health and sciences. Professional development includes workshops and mentorship programs.
Salaries increase with rank, as outlined earlier, and university-specific factors like Michigan's economic climate influence growth. Learn more via Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Central Michigan University
Research at Central Michigan University emphasizes innovation in neuroscience, environmental science, and public health, with centers like the Institute for Great Lakes Research. Trends for 2025 include AI integration in education and sustainable energy projects. Collaborations with industry partners enhance funding and impact. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Central Michigan University Academics
- Professional development through CMU's Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching 🎓
- Union support via the CMU Faculty Association
- Benefits including health coverage and tuition waivers 💼
- Research grants from internal funds 📊
Student Life and Perspectives at Central Michigan University
Student life at Central Michigan University features over 300 organizations, athletics, and residential learning communities. Programs in business and health lead to strong career outcomes, with 95% employment rates. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.

