Instructor CHASS/Criminal Justice

Posted: 17-Apr-26

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Type: Full-time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Categories:

Academic/Faculty

Other - Academic/Faculty

Employment Type:

Full-time

Organization Type:

Higher Education Institution

Required Education:

Master’s

Internal Number: FU9747-0002-1912

Position Summary

The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Detroit Mercy invites applications for a position at the rank of Instructor in Criminal Justice, with specialization in Forensic Evidence Collection to begin August 16, 2026.

The Department of Criminal Justice is deeply committed to the University’s distinctive mission of educational excellence to a diverse student population within a vibrant urban context with a strong emphasis on community engagement. Our department offers cutting-edge courses in criminology, intelligence, cybercrime and criminal justice, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world forensics and criminal investigation that prepares them to combat the ever-evolving justice arena. To learn more about our department, click here.

Disciplinary specialization is open. Applicants focusing on criminal investigation; forensics, evidence collection; family violence; substance abuse and crime; correctional science; protective security theories of criminal justice; research methodology; law and the courts; social justice; or homeland security and executive protection are encouraged to apply. The department seeks candidates with demonstrated excellence in teaching and real world experience. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to our undergraduate program, teaching introductory criminal justice courses in addition to those in their area of specialization.

The teaching load is four courses (12 credits) for Fall and Winter semesters for a total of eight courses per academic year. Successful candidates will be effective and enthusiastic teachers with a strong commitment to undergraduate education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement teaching strategies that foster students’ development while creating an inclusive, respectful, supportive, and welcoming learning environment.
• Be available to students by email and in person to provide support and assistance outside of class. Hold regular weekly office hours.
• Refer students to appropriate University support services as needed.
• Provide students with course syllabi consistent with University guidelines that provide clear expectations, including grading and course policies and student support services.
• Utilize the University’s Learning Management System (Blackboard) to post instructional content, record grades, etc.
• Provide robust feedback and return assignments to students in a timely manner. Submit mid-term and final grades by the scheduled deadlines.
• Maintain appropriate records of students’ work. Bring any incidents of academic dishonesty to the attention of the College.
• Participate in course assessment and other pedagogical development opportunities.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Intelligence Analysis, Security Administration Criminology, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Demonstrated professional training, education, and development with a commitment to experiential learning.
• Evidence of real-world professional experience with a focus on Forensics, Criminalistics, Evidence Collection, Police Operations and Corrections.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience with or understanding of criminal justice and corrections.
• Demonstrated experience helping undergraduate students, including first-generation college students, successfully transition to college-level coursework.
• Evidence of capacity to engage with a diverse student body.
• Demonstrated capacity to facilitate interactive curricular projects and community-engaged learning as a liaison or similar role.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates apply by completing an application and uploading materials that include:

• Letter of application that states the applicant’s interest in the position, credentials relative to the required items listed in the “Qualifications” section, and illustration of how their experience and prior teaching relate to Criminal Justice, Forensics, and/or Corrections.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Teaching portfolio, including selected course materials such as syllabi, detailed course proposals, assignments, and/or lesson plans.
• Statement (1-3 pages), outlining teaching philosophy, practices, and approaches to fostering student learning and engagement.
• Official transcripts and a list of three references, including at least one reference who can speak directly to the candidate’s teaching, will be requested of the successful candidate for the position. They are not required at time of initial application.

Deadline for applications: May 4, 2026, and will continue until an appointment is made.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Erick Barnes, Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice: barnese@udmercy.edu.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience.