POOL - Instructor - Criminal Justice

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 course and must possess an advanced degree. Instructors report to the Program Director for Criminal Justice.

To learn more about courses offered through the Criminal Justice program, see Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice (ku.edu).

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.


The Instructor is a union covered position within the collective bargaining unit represented by United Academics of KU, AFT-AAUP, AFL-CIO; UAKU is the exclusive bargaining representative. As the State of Kansas is a right to work state, you have the right to be a member or not to be a member of the union without fear of personal or professional repercussions..


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 discussions boards within 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 to Applicants
Susan Whitford
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Advertised Salary Range
$6,500 per 3 credit hour course, per semester
Application Review Begins
Monday June 1, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday June 1, 2026