Assistant Professor of Economics

Norfolk's academic landscape offers moderate competition for assistant professor roles in economics, especially at institutions like Christopher Newport University. Candidates with expertise in macroeconomics and econometrics tend to stand out, given regional emphasis on applied research and policy relevance in economics education.

Faculty positions in Norfolk benefit from a supportive community atmosphere and lower living costs compared to bigger cities. This environment fosters close-knit academic collaboration, while still offering access to regional economic hubs, making it attractive for assistant professors focused on impactful undergraduate teaching and research.

Virginia universities prioritize candidates with a PhD in economics or related fields, strong teaching portfolios, and evidence of policy-relevant research. Specializations in macroeconomics, applied economics, or econometrics, along with demonstrated commitment to inclusive pedagogy, significantly enhance candidacy.

Starting as an assistant professor in economics often opens pathways toward tenure and tenure-track roles. It involves balancing research output with dedicated undergraduate teaching, which can lead to associate professorships, increased research funding, and leadership opportunities within academic departments.

Roles affiliated with the American Economic Association emphasize integrating rigorous economic research with teaching excellence. Candidates are expected to contribute actively to both academic scholarship and community engagement, aligning with the association’s mission to advance economic knowledge and policy dialogue.

Assistant professors linked to the American Economic Association should ideally pursue policy-relevant and applied economic research. Emphasis is often placed on producing work that informs public policy, contributes to economic discourse, and complements teaching responsibilities within their academic institution.

Assistant professors in economics in Norfolk generally earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and specialization. Institutions like Christopher Newport University align with this range, offering competitive compensation reflective of regional academic market standards.

An economics professor’s daily tasks often include delivering lectures, mentoring students, conducting applied research, and participating in departmental service. At liberal arts colleges, there's a strong focus on integrating interdisciplinary perspectives and fostering student engagement beyond the classroom.

Assistant professors typically have research obligations and tenure-track prospects, while lecturers focus predominantly on teaching. Assistant professors balance curriculum development, grant writing, and scholarly publishing alongside classroom duties, offering a broader academic career trajectory.

Faculty at Christopher Newport University are encouraged to engage beyond academia by supporting student-led economic clubs, organizing speaker events, and collaborating on community-based research projects. Such involvement enriches educational experiences and strengthens ties between the university and local economic stakeholders.