Visiting Assistant Professor - Criminology

Job Description

Job Type: Faculty
Job Number: 00478
Location: Westerville, OH
Division: Academic Affairs

DESCRIPTION

Otterbein University, a comprehensive liberal arts institution, invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor position in Criminology.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Teach eight three-credit-hour courses per academic year. Along with Department specific courses, the candidate will also teach Sociology courses in university-wide general education or interdisciplinary programs.

COMPENSATION: For the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor- $61,610 (plus full University benefits).

START DATE: This appointment begins in August 2026.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. or A.B.D. in Sociology or Criminology at the time of appointment is required. Specialty area is Criminology. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate teaching excellence in the liberal arts tradition; and experience teaching, advising, and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.

Preference will be given to candidates with the ability to incorporate a critical criminology/social justice focus into classes on the criminal justice system and sociology of deviance. The successful candidate will also teach general education classes Introduction to Sociology and Dimensions of Culture in Society.

APPLICATION: Apply through NeoED and attach (1) a cover letter; (2) your curriculum vitae; (3) your teaching philosophy (not more than 3 pages); and (4) a statement consisting of no more than one single-spaced page addressing the following two questions: How has a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion informed your teaching, scholarship, and/or professional experience to date? How do you see yourself contributing to Otterbein's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Review of applications begins May 18th, 2026.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT: The Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies at Otterbein University currently has two full-time faculty and committed and talented part-time faculty serving roughly 80 majors, along with our general education programs and students in Race and Ethnic Studies, Public Health Education, Legal Studies, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. We offer a BA in Sociology, a BA in Criminology & Justice Studies, and minors in Sociology, Criminology & Justice Studies, and Justice Studies. We offer students a multi-level understanding of global connections and social forces acting on interaction, identities, social groups, organizations, communities, and nations. We foster the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work for justice in institutions, workplaces, and as engaged citizens. Department faculty and students create scholarship and applied learning opportunities in preparation for diverse careers and graduate education in sociology, criminology, and related fields such as social work, human and community services, public policy, the law, and justice related fields. To learn more about the Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies, visit https://www.otterbein.edu/sociology-criminology-justice-studies/.

OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY: Historically progressive. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio's largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County. Otterbein is the first university in Ohio to be selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity. To learn more about Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu.

WHERE: Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, and has received notable national designations, including two appearances on Money Magazine's Top 100 list of Americas' "Best Places to Live" and recognized as one of Forbes "America's Friendliest Towns." Westerville has a population of approximately 37,000 people and combines the beauty and convenience of a medium-sized community with the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of Columbus, the state capital, a thriving and diverse metropolitan area of 1.4 million people. Central Ohio is the fastest growing area in the state with stability provided by a diversified economy.

Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Tuition benefit to employee, spouse or domestic partner and dependents
• Accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 days paid sick time
• 12 paid holidays plus bonus days
• Medical, dental and vision insurance to you, dependents or domestic partner
• Life Insurance
• Defined contribution retirement plan
• and much more

Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.

To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/otterbein/jobs/5325061/visiting-assistant-professor-criminology