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Position Title Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Position Category

Position Category Faculty

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Position Status

FTE

FTE .75 (academic year full-time)

Location

Location Thousand Oaks

University Background

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity.

Basic Function

Under the direction of the Dean and Department Chair, the Assistant Professor is responsible for providing academic instruction to students in assigned undergraduate courses. The Assistant Professor is to serve as an academic advisor to students; contribute to department and university activities; serve on faculty or university committees; engage in scholarly activities; and/or participate in creative endeavors.
Cal Lutheran’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Crim. Dept.) invites applicants for a tenure-track faculty position beginning in Fall 2027. Candidates will apply at the rank of Assistant Professor and must hold a doctorate in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a related field. ABD status will also be considered.
The successful candidate will be able to teach a variety of undergraduate courses in criminology and criminal justice. Area of teaching and research specialization is open, with potential areas including, but not limited to, criminal law and procedure; policing and procedural justice; criminal and forensic investigation and evidentiary processes; crime analysis and data science; juvenile justice and delinquency; and evaluation research.
Applicants with expertise in the empirical study of crime and justice, evidence-based approaches to improving criminal justice systems, or innovative approaches to teaching and mentoring undergraduate students are especially encouraged to apply. Professional experience in the criminal justice system is desirable but not required. Experience mentoring undergraduate research or engaging students in scholarly, community-based, or applied research is highly desirable.
A full-teaching load is 3 courses per academic semester and 6 per academic year. Primary teaching responsibilities will be based on departmental needs and may include undergraduate courses such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal and Procedural Law, Critical Issues in Policing, Juvenile Delinquency, Research Methods & Statistics, and with the ability to develop additional courses relevant to their specialization. The successful candidate may also have opportunities to contribute to interdisciplinary programs, experiential learning initiatives, internships, and curriculum development.
The mission of the Criminology and Criminal Justice program is to develop and share knowledge about crime, criminal behavior, victimization, criminal law and procedure, and the institutions and processes of the criminal justice system through teaching, research, and service. We provide students with theoretical knowledge, research and analytical tools, ethical grounding, and practical skills that prepare them for meaningful professional pathways and lifelong learning. We aim to educate future leaders in criminal justice practice, policy, research, and related fields who will make informed and constructive contributions to a more equitable and just society. https://www.callutheran.edu/college-arts-sciences/criminal-justice/
In sum, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in undergraduate teaching, maintain an active program of scholarship appropriate for a teaching-focused institution, mentor and advise students, and contribute meaningful service to the department, university, and broader community.

Representative Duties

• Teach undergraduate courses in criminology and criminal justice, normally 24 units per academic year. Teaching assignments will be based on departmental needs and may include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Law and Legal Processes, Critical Issues in Policing, Research Methods and Statistics, and courses aligned with the successful candidate’s expertise.
• Provide engaging academic instruction through lectures, interactive discussions, applied activities, and other inclusive, evidence-based teaching practices in classroom, individual, and technology-mediated settings. Create assignments and activities that develop students’ cognitive abilities, communication skills, and higher-order thinking skills.
• Develop course curricula, syllabi, assignments, and learning activities that strengthen students’ substantive knowledge, research and analytical abilities, communication skills, ethical reasoning, and higher-order thinking.
• Observe and evaluate student performance in meeting course objectives and student learning outcomes through assignments, projects, discussions, examinations, presentations, and other appropriate measures; respond to student inquiries and provide prompt, constructive feedback in class, online, and during established consultation or office hours.
• Maintain current and accurate records of course enrollment, attendance, student academic progress, and course curriculum; prepare and submit grades, assessment data, and required reports in a timely manner.
• Teach and hold regular office hours in person on campus at least four days per week.
• Provide students with a course syllabus within the first week of each course, as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
• Mentor and advise students regarding course selection, major requirements, academic progress, applied skill development, internships, career pathways, graduate or professional education, and other post-graduate plans.
• Supervise and collaborate with students on undergraduate research and facilitate experiential and applied learning opportunities that connect criminological theory and empirical research with criminal justice policy and practice.
• Maintain an active program of scholarship appropriate for a teaching-focused institution, including research, publication, conference participation, and other scholarly, professional, or creative activities in criminology and criminal justice.
• Adhere to the responsibilities related to teaching, advising, service, and scholarly, professional, and creative activities for Assistant Professors as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
• Adhere to the responsibilities related to teaching, advising, service, and scholarly, professional, and creative activities as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
• Attend and participate on committees and in department, division, campus, and University meetings.
• Contribute to professional and community engagement through collaborative research, public scholarship, internships, applied learning, or partnerships with criminal justice practitioners, public agencies, and community organizations.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Perform related duties as assigned based on departmental and University needs.