Adjunct Pool (2026-27)/ Criminal Justice (Online & Hybrid Program)

Point Loma Nazarene University; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego seeks an adjunct instructor to teach criminal justice and/or sociology at the undergraduate level within a Christian liberal arts context.

The position supports Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027 with responsibilities including course design and student advising. Compensation ranges from $5,013 to $6,684 per month, ensuring competitive pay for the workload and department needs.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., Ed.D. preferred; MA in criminal justice/law acceptable.
• Experience in instructional design and adult teaching.
• Ability to teach criminal justice and/or sociology at undergraduate level.
• Commitment to Christian liberal arts education and PLNU mission.
• Willingness to live by PLNU Community Life Covenant.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in criminal justice and/or sociology.
• Collaborate with diverse colleagues, students, parents and community members.
• Advise students academically, spiritually and socially.
• Design online and/or face-to-face courses.
• Participate in departmental activities and governance.
• Engage in scholarship with students where possible.

Skills

Effective teaching

Student advising

Course design

Diversity engagement

Education

Ph.D. or Ed.D. in criminal justice

M.A. in criminal justice or related field

Job description

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship.

Job Summary: The School of Behavioral & Social Sciences is seeking candidates for an adjunct teaching position to teach one or more courses in the area of criminal justice and/or sociology. The compensation level will range between $5,013-$6,684 and will be determined based on units assigned. A commitment to excellent teaching at the undergraduate level in a Christian liberal arts context and possessing a potential for scholarship and service is essential for a successful candidate. The number of adjunct instructors hired varies from semester to semester, depending upon the needs of the department.

Job Status: Part time ***

The School of Behavioral & Social Sciences is seeking candidates for an adjunct teaching position in criminal justice and/or sociology. The University is seeking an individual capable of excellent teaching. Responsibilities begin Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027 and will include teaching a wide variety of courses in criminal justice and/or sociology.

• Provide instruction in the area of criminal justice and/or sociology.
• Successful candidate will work strategically with diverse colleagues, students, parents and community members.
• Engage in personal scholarship and scholarship with students (where possible)
• Advise students academically, spiritually, and socially
• Participate in departmental activities and governance
• Design online and/or face-to-face
• Invest in students
• Participate in institution activities as appropriate

Education: Ph.D., Ed.D., (preferred), M.A. in field of criminal justice/ law or similar degree

Experience: Instructional Design education, Adult teaching experience, and Potential for outstanding course design. Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching students from diverse backgrounds is preferred.

Philosophical: Thorough commitment to the concept of Christian liberal arts education and a desire to work in a Christian university. Supportive of the religious and educational goals of the university and its sponsoring denomination.

Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.

The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.

Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:

• Phone/Zoom Interview
• Dialogue with students and faculty in the Criminal Justice (online/hybrid) Program
• Lecture presented to faculty and students in the Criminal Justice (online/hybrid) Program
• Evidence of successful teaching, if applicable
• Interview with the Program Director / Associate Dean
• Interview with the Dean of the School of Behavioral & Social Sciences
• Interview with the Provost
• Interview with the President of the University

At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. PLNU offers more than stunning ocean views! We are a Christian community committed to calling and academic excellence through Christ-centered education. The Point Loma Nazarene University community is, and intends to be, a decidedly Christian community, as exhibited by our shared beliefs, corporate practices, and Christ-like character. Point Loma Nazarene University captures this in its Community Life Covenant. PLNU retains the right to exercise religious preference in employing faculty and staff who agree with and support the religious mission of the University. You may find it helpful to learn more about our sponsoring denomination: Church of the Nazarene. Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide quality educational and employment opportunities, PLNU actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups in higher education. These documents are being displayed in accordance with US Department of Labor regulations and state regulations. E-Verify Right To Work In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, PLNU's current annual crime statistics are available at : PLNU Annual Security Report.