Assistant Professor - Criminal Justice

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 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 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 (View email address on click.appcast.io)

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 Affirmative 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.

About Us

About Pittsburg State University

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State's 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.


Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.


Pitt State's hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.


The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you'll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.


Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.


Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.


The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.