Assistant Professor - Criminal Justice

Pittsburg State University; Pittsburg (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional university invites applications for a faculty role in Criminal Justice, beginning August 2026. Candidates with a master's may be considered for a non-tenure track position, while PhD holders are sought for tenure track at the Assistant Professor rank. Responsibilities include teaching courses, providing university service, and conducting research. Candidates must possess effective teaching skills and meet educational requirements for accreditation. Application materials are required to be consolidated into a maximum of 2 files.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrate teaching effectiveness and experience in higher education.
• PhD in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology preferred for tenure track

Responsibilities

• Teach Sociology and/or Criminal Justice courses.
• Conduct research leading to publications.
• Participate in university service and recruitment efforts.
• Exhibit a commitment to student success
• Participation in recruitment and retention efforts
• Research leading to publications (tenure track)

Skills

Teaching effectiveness

Commitment to student success

Research leading to publications

Education

Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology

PhD in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology

Job description

The School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences at Pittsburg State University invites applications for a faculty position in Criminal Justice. Degree level and experience will be considered in determining rank and tenure status. This is a 9 month- appointment beginning August 2026. Applicants with a PhD in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology will be considered for a tenure track appointment at the Assistant Professor rank. Applicants holding a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology may be appointed to a non-tenure track Assistant Instructional Professor rank.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach Sociology and/or Criminal Justice surveys
• Teach upper-division courses in areas of specialization
• Provide service to the university, college, and school
• Exhibit a commitment to student success
• Participation in recruitment and retention efforts
• Research leading to publications (tenure track)

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience –

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Demonstrate teaching effectiveness

Candidates must hold a master's degree in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, or a related field. This degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Education and Experience –

• PhD in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology from an accredited institution of higher learning
• University-level teaching

Job Type: Unclassified, Faculty, Tenure Earning with PhD credentials; Non-Tenure Earning for other candidates.

Screening Services (Background Checks)

Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and check.

Position Start Date

August 2026

Application Documents Required*

• Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Teaching Effectiveness materials (Teaching Evaluations, Course Syllabi, ect.)
• Names and contact information (address, email and phone) of three references.

*Consolidate documents into a maximum of 2 to upload.

First Consideration Date

March 22, 2026, open until filled.

Search Committee Chair

Dr. Gary Wilson, Chair of Search Committee ([e-mail])

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire, as the university does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affluent Action employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Criminal Justice is a popular major at Pittsburg State University and is expected to continue growing over the next several years. This potential is further supported by the construction of the new KBI Regional Crime Lab & Training Facility on campus. Once completed, the facility will include space for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pittsburg Police Department, the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Pittsburg State University Police Department. This partnership will provide extensive opportunities for internships, training, and collaboration, giving students and faculty exceptional access to professional law enforcement personnel and creating a wide range of experiential learning opportunities.