"Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice"

Position Summary:

The Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigation department at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law/Legal Studies, beginning August 2026.

Our Criminal Justice program offers students broad exposure to law, criminology, policing, corrections, and forensic investigation, with opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and applied research.

This is a full-time, 9-month, benefit-eligible position with a salary of $60,000–$64,000 per academic year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Key Job Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated competency teaching multiple existing courses (e.g., Criminal Law, Foundations of US Courts, Courtroom Testimony and Evidence) and the capacity to develop and teach courses within their area of expertise. The typical teaching load is 4 courses per semester (4/4).

Additional responsibilities include actively participating in research/scholarship/professional activities, providing academic and career advising/mentorship to students, and engaging in service to the department, university, profession, and public.

Other duties may be assigned by the Department Chair.

Required Qualifications:

JD (Juris Doctor) from an accredited law school or Ph.D. in Law, Legal Studies, Criminology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a related field. ABD (all but dissertation) candidates will be considered, with the expectation that the terminal/doctoral degree is conferred by January 1, 2027.

Ability to teach undergraduate courses in Criminal Law, Foundations of U.S. Courts, Courtroom Testimony and Evidence, and other Criminal Justice-related courses.

Strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education in a liberal arts environment, with a willingness to collaborate with students and faculty.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers baccalaureate and master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

The Department of Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigation’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Education have 5 full-time tenure-track positions and regularly employ an additional 8 instructional academic staff. The undergraduate program offers a BA/BS in Criminal Justice and BS in Forensic Investigation. The department offers a BS and MS in Criminal Justice in an online asynchronous modality. The department’s undergraduate majors combined have over 530 on-campus students and over 100 online students, making it the second largest department by undergraduate majors.

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 19, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Cover letter addressing all required qualifications. The letter should explicitly state how the applicant’s education, experience, and/or area(s) of expertise would contribute to and/or enhance the department’s existing strengths.
• A Curriculum Vitae;
• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for three professional references;
• A statement of your teaching philosophy.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Will LeSuer, lesuerw@uwplatt.edu, 608-342-1033