"Assistant or Associate Professor, Criminal Justice - Tenure Track"

About Fitchburg State University:

Fitchburg State University, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 7,000 full and part-time students. We invite you to learn more about us and how we can help you achieve your educational goals.

Institutional Diversity and Social Justice: Fitchburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging and social justice. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply and also those who can contribute to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching, research and mentorship.

Job Description:

The Department of Behavioral Sciences at Fitchburg State University welcomes applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in our Criminal Justice program, specializing in law and legal studies.

Applicants should demonstrate commitment to excellence in teaching, able and willing to teach from both theoretical and applied perspectives to a diverse student body, a high percentage of whom are from underrepresented communities and/or are first-generation college students. Responsibilities include a teaching load of four courses per semester, student advising, continuing scholarship and service to the University community with additional requirements as per the MSCA contract. Applicants should demonstrate teaching experience appropriate to the level of appointment, as well as evidence of scholarly activity.

A Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or Criminology, or other relevant terminal degree, is required for this position. Candidates who are ABD will be considered, but the degree must be completed by July 1, 2026. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is not a terminal degree for this position. Preferred candidates will have experience teaching law and/or legal studies, and/or experience in the practice of law, and/or a J.D. or other relevant non-terminal legal degree.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teaching a range of criminal justice courses, with a significant focus on law-related courses, totaling 24 semester hours of credit per school year.
• Teaching courses within the undergraduate Police Program concentration that require faculty certification by the Municipal Police Training Committee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the MPTC).
• Participating in curriculum review and development, program reviews and student outcomes assessment at the university and department level.
• Attending university programs and functions such as commencement and awards ceremonies; as well as faculty committee and departmental meetings.
• Participating in scheduled orientation and registration events.
• Engaging in continuing scholarship and professional activities, which include contribution to the content of the discipline, participation in or contribution to professional organizations and societies, professional service, public service and contributions to the professional growth and development of the university community.
• The successful candidate may have opportunities to teach summer, winter term, and graduate courses in addition to their regular courseload.

Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Criminology or other relevant doctoral degree is required for this position. A candidate who is ABD will be considered, but the degree must be completed by July 1, 2026. A J.D. is not a terminal degree for the purposes of this position.
• Experience teaching law and/or legal studies, and/or experience in the practice of law, and/or a JD or other relevant non-terminal legal degree, is preferred.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching, demonstrated teaching proficiency and experience appropriate to the level of appointment, and evidence of scholarly activity is required. For the appointment at the Associate level, substantial professional and higher-education experience is required.
• Ability to integrate appropriate technology and software in teaching is required.
• Willingness to teach in diverse modalities, including in-person and online contexts, is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse student body is required.
• A history of service to, teaching of, and/or research related to diverse, multi-cultural populations is preferred.
• Ability to perform all duties with or without reasonable accommodations is required.

Additional Information:

Full-time, 9 month Benefited MSCA Position. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the MSCA Bargaining Agreement.

Application Instructions:

Please submit cover letter, CV and statement of teaching philosophy as well as a statement of research activity and interests. Fitchburg State University is committed to diversifying its workforce. We strongly encourage women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply for the advertised position.