Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Virginia Wesleyan University•Virginia Beach, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Batten University is hiring tenure-track Assistant Professors in Criminal Justice and Sociology/Criminal Justice in its Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. Successful candidates will contribute to undergraduate teaching, student engagement, scholarly and professional development, and academic service. They will advise and mentor students, contribute to curriculum development, maintain scholarly and professional activity, and participate in departmental and University service. Faculty are expected to foster engaging and inclusive learning environments that promote student success and advance the University's academic mission. The Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice will teach undergraduate courses such as Criminology, Social Research, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Criminal Procedure, along with other courses as assigned. The role includes developing and delivering Criminal Justice courses, potentially online, incorporating professional experience and contemporary practices into instruction, and supporting Criminal Justice curriculum development. The Assistant Professor of Sociology/Criminal Justice will teach undergraduate Sociology and Criminal Justice courses, with emphasis on Applied Sociology, Medical Sociology, and related areas. The role also includes teaching core departmental courses as needed, developing electives aligned with expertise and departmental needs, and teaching through face-to-face, online, or combined instructional modalities. Applied experience and interdisciplinary perspectives should inform teaching and curriculum development. Both positions carry a 3/3 teaching load: three 4-credit courses each fall and spring semester. The appointments are full-time, nine-month positions, with an anticipated start in Fall 2027. Work is at Batten University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants apply through the University's Employment Opportunities webpage and submit a position-specific cover letter, current curriculum vitae, and at least three professional references with titles and contact information. Review begins immediately and continues until both positions are filled.

Requirements

For the Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice position: earned Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or a closely related discipline; candidates with degrees and relevant experience in related fields may be considered.
For the Assistant Professor of Sociology/Criminal Justice position: earned Ph.D. in Sociology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, or a closely related discipline; candidates with degrees and relevant experience in related fields may be considered.
Demonstrated ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate level.
Commitment to student engagement, academic advising, and professional development.
Ability to contribute to departmental and University service.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Sociology.
Experience developing and teaching undergraduate courses in traditional and online instructional environments.
Experience using Blackboard or a comparable learning management system.
Demonstrated record of effective teaching and an educational philosophy integrating theory and practice.
For the Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice position: expertise in crime scene forensics and/or digital forensics.
For the Assistant Professor of Sociology/Criminal Justice position: experience teaching Applied Sociology, Medical Sociology, and Criminal Justice courses.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in Criminal Justice, Sociology, or both, according to the position and departmental needs.
Develop and deliver Criminal Justice courses, including potential online offerings.
Incorporate professional experience, contemporary practices, applied learning, and interdisciplinary perspectives into instruction and curriculum development.
Support the development and enhancement of the Criminal Justice program curriculum.
Develop elective courses aligned with academic expertise and departmental needs.
Teach three 4-credit courses each fall and spring semester.
Advise and mentor students pursuing Sociology and Criminal Justice majors and minors.
Develop, evaluate, and revise academic courses and instructional materials.
Maintain scholarly and professional activity consistent with tenure-track faculty expectations.
Participate in departmental meetings, faculty committees, and University service activities.
Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership to support student learning, academic program development, and institutional initiatives.
Use effective teaching practices that integrate academic theory with practical application.
Perform other related academic and departmental responsibilities as assigned.