Assistant/Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

Job Summary/Basic Function

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Department of Health & Social Sciences at Central State University invites applications for a full-time (On-Campus), tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor of Criminal Justice. This is a full-time contractual appointment. The position will begin in August 2026 for the Fall 2026 semester.

A master’s degree in criminal justice is required. A Ph.D. or ABD in Criminal Justice is preferred. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in the field of criminal justice as a practitioner with experience in law enforcement, corrections, and juvenile justice, along with college-level teaching experience in the area. Preference will be given to candidates with in-person experience across a broad range of criminal justice courses. The ability to teach forensics is a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Faculty typically teach 12 hours per semester (undergraduate), especially, upper-level offerings such as Research Methods in Criminal Justice, Senior Capstone Seminar, and advanced criminal justice electives.
2. Faculty are expected to engage in professional development and scholarly pursuits and involve undergraduate students in these endeavors.
3. Faculty are expected to contribute to the department, University, and profession through appropriate service obligations, including the advising of students and committee service.
4. Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate students on topics in Criminal Justice (CRJ) and Sociology (SOC).
5. Evaluate and grade students’ class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
6. Collect and analyze data for program and university assessment.
7. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
8. Compile, administer, and grade examinations.
9. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
10. Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues, to include internship placements.
11. Develop and use multimedia course materials and other current technology, such as online courses.
12. Perform administrative duties as needed.
13. Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
14. Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist the department chair with continual program development.
2. Participate in faculty meetings and other university-wide activities/committees.
3. Other duties as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
4. Serve as advisor to students in the criminal justice department.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in criminal justice, Doctorate or ABD in Criminal Justice is preferred.
2. Must have experience in retaining students at the university level.
3. Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
4. Previous successful work experience with culturally diverse populations is a plus.
5. Cope effectively with adversity and demonstrate leadership skills that promote cooperation.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. Associate Professor-level experience leading a Criminal Justice program or department, as well as experience teaching a variety of courses in the field.