moss began his career in academia in 1865 when he became professor of theology at the university of lewisburg (now bucknell university) until 1868. between 1868 and 1972, moss served as editor of the "national baptist" as well professor of new testament interpretation at the crozer theological seminary in upland, pennsylvania. in 1874, moss accepted the position as president of the university of chicago. he left the next year to become president of indiana university. he remained there until 1884, when a scandal broke with a female professor that brought him to resign his post. after a few years away from academia, he returned as lecturer of christian sociology at bucknell university, where he remained until his death on july 12, 1904.