POOL - Instructor - Criminal Justice

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 66,011 - 79,068; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking a part-time instructor for its Criminal Justice Program to teach undergraduate courses at the Lawrence Campus. Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and have five years of relevant professional experience.

The role involves delivering in-person or hybrid instruction, providing student support, and embracing a collaborative educational environment. The position includes competitive compensation and requires applicants to pass a background check.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice or closely related discipline.
• Five years of professional experience in a related field.
• Experience with online and in-person teaching.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver course instruction in various formats.
• Provide feedback and maintain office hours for student support.
• Collaborate with colleagues and adhere to university policies.

Skills

Experience in criminal justice

Teaching ability

Knowledge of learning management systems

Collaboration with colleagues

Education

Earned Master’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Canvas Learning Management System

Job description

Position Overview

The Criminal Justice Program in the School of Professional Studies invites qualified scholars and professionals with experience in criminal justice to submit applications that will be reviewed by the faculty and placed in a pool for consideration for part‑time instructor positions. An instructor teaches in‑person undergraduate level courses and must possess an advanced degree. Instructors report to the Program Director for Criminal Justice. The successful candidate must have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. before employment begins. Any employment with the University of Kansas is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. This position is located on the Lawrence Campus.

Job Description

100% Instructional Duties

• Plans, prepares and delivers online (synchronous/asynchronous), in‑person, or hybrid course instruction based on an approved course syllabus.
• Provides timely, meaningful, supportive feedback on assignments both verbally in class and on written assignments via the learning management system to students in support of individual growth and maintaining an inviting classroom climate.
• Maintains office hour availability at times convenient for working adult students and offers timely response to student questions via email.
• Engages with individual students in a way that demonstrates awareness of and respect for difference – and a commitment to an inviting learning environment for all.
• Updates existing PowerPoints, written assignment instructions, and discussion boards within the learning management system (Canvas) as needed to support student learning in each class section.
• Maintains well‑organized, accurate and easy to navigate content within Canvas.
• All instructors are expected to collaborate with colleagues, be current in the field, and are required to adhere to department, school/college and university policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

1. Earned Master’s degree in Criminal Justice or Master’s degree in a closely related discipline.
2. Five years of professional experience in a related field or expertise (e.g., juvenile justice, probation, mental health, etc.).

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Doctorate level degree in criminal justice or a closely related field.
2. Evidence of prior success in teaching, preferably both in‑person and online (e.g., course evaluations, supervisor ratings).
3. Experience with a learning management system, a classroom lecture recording system, and live inclusion of remote students.
4. Certifications or credentials in the related area of expertise.
5. Two years of experience in a position as supervisor, mentor, or knowledge holder in a related area of expertise as evidenced by application materials.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application will include the online electronic application, cover letter, curriculum vitae/resume, three references and evidence of professional experience and/or teaching experience.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Contact Information

Susan Whitford
[e-mail]
913-302-4455

Salary

$6,500 per 3 credit hour course, per semester

Application Review and Start Date

Application Review Begins Monday June 1, 2026
Anticipated Start Date Monday June 1, 2026