Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal
Justice
Position Category: Faculty
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: .75 (academic year full-time)
Location: Thousand Oaks
University Background:
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders
for a global society who are strong in character and judgment,
confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service
and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the
university has an enrollment of about 3,500 undergraduate and
graduate students who come from across the nation and around the
world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a
federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is
looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working
in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive
learning and work environment that values individual differences
and respects each person's dignity.
Basic Function:
Under the direction of the Dean and Department Chair, the Assistant
Professor is responsible for providing academic instruction to
students in assigned undergraduate courses. The Assistant Professor
is to serve as an academic advisor to students; contribute to
department and university activities; serve on faculty or
university committees; engage in scholarly activities; and/or
participate in creative endeavors.
Cal Lutheran's Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
(Crim. Dept.) invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty
position beginning in Fall 2027. Candidates will apply at the rank
of Assistant Professor and must hold a doctorate in Criminology,
Criminal Justice, or a related field. ABD status will also be
considered.
The successful candidate will be able to teach a variety of
undergraduate courses in criminology and criminal justice. Area of
teaching and research specialization is open, with potential areas
including, but not limited to, criminal law and procedure; policing
and procedural justice; criminal and forensic investigation and
evidentiary processes; crime analysis and data science; juvenile
justice and delinquency; and evaluation research.
Applicants with expertise in the empirical study of crime and
justice, evidence-based approaches to improving criminal justice
systems, or innovative approaches to teaching and mentoring
undergraduate students are especially encouraged to apply.
Professional experience in the criminal justice system is desirable
but not required. Experience mentoring undergraduate research or
engaging students in scholarly, community-based, or applied
research is highly desirable.
A full-teaching load is 3 courses per academic semester and 6 per
academic year. Primary teaching responsibilities will be based on
departmental needs and may include undergraduate courses such as
Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal and Procedural Law,
Critical Issues in Policing, Juvenile Delinquency, Research Methods
& Statistics, and with the ability to develop additional
courses relevant to their specialization. The successful candidate
may also have opportunities to contribute to interdisciplinary
programs, experiential learning initiatives, internships, and
curriculum development.
The mission of the Criminology and Criminal Justice program is to
develop and share knowledge about crime, criminal behavior,
victimization, criminal law and procedure, and the institutions and
processes of the criminal justice system through teaching,
research, and service. We provide students with theoretical
knowledge, research and analytical tools, ethical grounding, and
practical skills that prepare them for meaningful professional
pathways and lifelong learning. We aim to educate future leaders in
criminal justice practice, policy, research, and related fields who
will make informed and constructive contributions to a more
equitable and just society.
https://www.callutheran.edu/college-arts-sciences/criminal-justice/
In sum, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in
undergraduate teaching, maintain an active program of scholarship
appropriate for a teaching-focused institution, mentor and advise
students, and contribute meaningful service to the department,
university, and broader community.
Representative Duties:
- Teach undergraduate courses in criminology and criminal
justice, normally 24 units per academic year. Teaching assignments
will be based on departmental needs and may include Introduction to
Criminal Justice, Introduction to Law and Legal Processes, Critical
Issues in Policing, Research Methods and Statistics, and courses
aligned with the successful candidate's expertise.
Provide engaging academic instruction through lectures,
interactive discussions, applied activities, and other inclusive,
evidence-based teaching practices in classroom, individual, and
technology-mediated settings. Create assignments and activities
that develop students' cognitive abilities, communication skills,
and higher-order thinking skills.
Develop course curricula, syllabi, assignments, and learning
activities that strengthen students' substantive knowledge,
research and analytical abilities, communication skills, ethical
reasoning, and higher-order thinking.
Observe and evaluate student performance in meeting course
objectives and student learning outcomes through assignments,
projects, discussions, examinations, presentations, and other
appropriate measures; respond to student inquiries and provide
prompt, constructive feedback in class, online, and during
established consultation or office hours.
Maintain current and accurate records of course enrollment,
attendance, student academic progress, and course curriculum;
prepare and submit grades, assessment data, and required reports in
a timely manner.
Teach and hold regular office hours in person on campus at
least four days per week.
Provide students with a course syllabus within the first week
of each course, as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
Mentor and advise students regarding course selection, major
requirements, academic progress, applied skill development,
internships, career pathways, graduate or professional education,
and other post-graduate plans.
Supervise and collaborate with students on undergraduate
research and facilitate experiential and applied learning
opportunities that connect criminological theory and empirical
research with criminal justice policy and practice.
Maintain an active program of scholarship appropriate for a
teaching-focused institution, including research, publication,
conference participation, and other scholarly, professional, or
creative activities in criminology and criminal justice.
Adhere to the responsibilities related to teaching, advising,
service, and scholarly, professional, and creative activities for
Assistant Professors as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
Adhere to the responsibilities related to teaching, advising,
service, and scholarly, professional, and creative activities as
outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
Attend and participate on committees and in department,
division, campus, and University meetings.
Contribute to professional and community engagement through
collaborative research, public scholarship, internships, applied
learning, or partnerships with criminal justice practitioners,
public agencies, and community organizations.
Evening and weekend hours may be required.
Perform related duties as assigned based on departmental and
University needs.
Knowledge Of:
- Current theory, empirical research, policy, and professional
practice in criminology and criminal justice.
- The organization, operation, and contemporary challenges of
criminal justice institutions, including law enforcement agencies,
courts, and related legal and community organizations.
- Criminal justice professional pathways and the knowledge and
applied competencies students need to pursue careers or graduate
and professional education in the field.
- Quantitative, qualitative, and applied research methods,
including methods of gathering, analyzing, interpreting,
presenting, and preparing data and conducting program
evaluation.
- Principles and best practices of effective, inclusive, and
evidence-based undergraduate teaching.
- Student learning outcomes, curriculum development, and methods
of assessment.
- Effective practices in undergraduate mentoring, advising, and
research supervision.
- Experiential and applied learning practices, including
internships, community-based learning, undergraduate research, and
practitioner partnerships.
- University curricula and the role of the major within a liberal
arts education.
- Community and campus resources, services, programs, and
professionals available to support student success.
- Modern computing technology, including current and emerging
instructional technologies, analytical software, data tools, and
other technologies relevant to teaching and scholarship.
- Ethical, legal, and professional standards related to teaching,
research, criminal justice practice, student privacy, and the
responsible collection and use of data.
- Recordkeeping requirements and techniques related to student
enrollment, attendance, grades, academic progress, course
curriculum, and program assessment.
Ability To:
- Demonstrate thorough and accurate knowledge of criminology and
criminal justice.
- Design and deliver accessible, engaging, and academically
rigorous course curricula using varied and inclusive teaching
approaches that address different learning styles.
- Connect criminological theory and empirical research with
criminal justice policy, institutional practice, and professional
pathways.
- Translate empirical evidence and data into meaningful
classroom, research, and applied learning experiences.
- Develop curricula, assignments, and assessments aligned with
course and program learning outcomes.
- Develop students' research literacy, analytical abilities,
ethical reasoning, communication skills, and applied criminal
justice competencies.
- Mentor and advise students regarding academic progress,
undergraduate research, internships, career preparation, and
post-graduate planning.
- Supervise and collaborate with undergraduate students in
scholarly, community-based, or applied research.
- Use quantitative, qualitative, or applied research methods
appropriate to the candidate's area of scholarship.
- Integrate current and emerging instructional delivery
technologies, analytical software, and research tools into the
learning process to enhance teaching, scholarship, and the
educational experience.
- Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse
academic, social, economic, cultural, racial, and ethnic
backgrounds of University students.
- Exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of
students with disabilities.
- Maintain professional and ethical standards that protect
student confidentiality and ensure the responsible use of
information and data.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using
tact, patience, and courtesy with students, colleagues,
practitioners, community partners, and other constituencies.
- Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working
relationships with students, faculty, staff, criminal justice
practitioners, public agencies, and community organizations.
- Work constructively with colleagues and treat faculty, staff,
administrators, and students with respect and professionalism.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of
action.
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and
continuous growth within criminology and criminal justice,
including teaching, scholarship, advising, and service.
- Satisfactorily fulfill a faculty member's duties and
responsibilities and make significant contributions to the
University community.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt practical courses of
action.
Minimum Qualifications:
Possession of a Ph.D. in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a
closely related field from an accredited institution is required
for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. Candidates who
are ABD will be considered but will be appointed at the rank of
Instructor until completion of the doctorate. A J.D. alone is not
sufficient unless the candidate also possesses a Ph.D. in
Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
Licenses and Other Requirements:
None
Physical Abilities:
Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence;
communicate clearly to exchange information in person and via the
telephone or video; operate a computer and other office
productivity machinery; stationary position for extended periods of
time; move or transport light objects; position self to store
and/or retrieve files.
Working Environment:
Indoor classroom environment; subject to visiting a variety of
classroom sites on campus.
Hiring Range $73,000 - $82,000
Posting Number: Faculty001262020
Open Date: 08/10/2026
Close Date: 10/04/2026
Application Procedure/Special Instructions We look forward
to reading your application.
Please include the following materials with your application:
1. Cover Letter: Please tell us about yourself and explain how you
meet the qualifications for the position. Please also describe how
you plan to support the mission and Hispanic-Serving Institution
designation of California Lutheran University. Two pages
maximum.
2. Curriculum Vitae or Resume: Please provide a curriculum vitae or
resume detailing your educational background, professional
experience, teaching experience, publications, service,
appointments or positions, honors, awards, and other relevant
accomplishments.
3. Please include a list of professional references whom the
University may contact.
4. Statement of Teaching: Please discuss your teaching philosophy
and provide concrete examples of your pedagogy. Two pages
maximum.
5. Statement of Research: Please describe your program of research,
noting any work completed in collaboration with undergraduate
students. If you have not previously conducted research with
undergraduate students, please describe your plans for future
scholarship and student collaboration. Two pages maximum.
6. Inclusive Excellence Statement: Please explain how you will
encourage and facilitate inclusive excellence through your
teaching, mentorship, research, and service. Two pages
maximum.
To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/13528
California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal
opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race,
religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical
disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status,
sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender
identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable
law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied
the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program,
activity or facility of the University on the basis of these
factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state
laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's
policies, procedures, and processes.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process
can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please
contact the Human Resources Department for further information or
to request an accommodation.
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