"Adjunct Pool (2025-26) / Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice"

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.

Job Summary: The Department of Sociology and Social Work is seeking candidates for an adjunct teaching position in Sociology to teach one or more courses in the area of criminal justice, sociology, or social work. There is anticipation of several criminal justice courses available for an adjunct professor. Academic rank will be based on degrees and experience. The compensation level depends upon the education and experience of the appointee. Review of applications will occur continually as courses become available. The University and department encourage applications from underrepresented minorities. The Department of Sociology and Social Work is comprised of three full-time faculty with a strong commitment to high quality teaching, service, and applied scholarship. There are approximately 80 majors working toward one of three bachelor's degrees: Sociology, Sociology - with a concentration in Criminal Justice, and Social Work, who are drawn to the department for its commitment to building a more just and caring society. A commitment to excellent teaching at the undergraduate level in a Christian liberal arts context and possessing a potential for scholarship and service is essential for a successful candidate.

Job Status: Part time

Job Description: The Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences is seeking candidates for an adjunct teaching position in Sociology, Social Work, and/or Criminal Justice. The University is seeking an individual capable of excellent teaching.

Responsibilities begin August 2025 or Spring 2026 and will include teaching a wide variety of courses in Sociology, Social Work, and/or Criminal Justice.

Responsibilities:

• Provide instruction in the area of Sociology, Social Work, and/or Criminal Justice including some general education and service courses.
• Successful candidate will work strategically with diverse colleagues, students, parents and community members.
• Engage in personal scholarship and scholarship with students (where possible)
• Advise students academically, spiritually, and socially
• Participate in departmental activities and governance
• Serve on university faculty committees/working groups and perform other normal faculty duties
• Contribute in preparing students for their post graduate career and finding who they are called to be

Qualifications:

• Education: MA or Ph.D. in Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or a related field
• Experience: Evidence of a commitment to excellence in (undergraduate/graduate) teaching. Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching students from diverse backgrounds is preferred.
• Philosophical: 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.
• Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in harmony with PLNU's Community Life Covenant.
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local 'Fair Chance' laws.

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 Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences, Lecture presented to faculty and students in the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences, Evidence of successful teaching, if applicable, Interview with the Academic unit leader, Interview with the Dean of the Colleges, Interview with the Provost, Interview with the President of the University.

Special Instructions: The number of adjunct instructors hired varies from semester to semester, depending upon the needs of the department. Please realize that there may not presently be an adjunct position available. When an opening becomes available for which you would be a good match, the department chair will be in contact with you for further dialogue, interviews, etc. Approved applicants will remain in the adjunct pool for the upcoming school year only. To be reconsidered for the following school year, applicant will need to reapply. If hired, official transcripts will be required from all undergraduate and graduate universities attended before a contract is issued. When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these Adjunct 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. If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu or the Search Committee chair at kevinmodesto@pointloma.edu.

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.