Assistant Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice

Aquinas College • East Grand Rapids, MI

4d

About The Position

Aquinas College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice position starting January 2027. The college seeks a candidate with a doctoral degree (ABD candidates are welcome) in social work, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field. The successful candidate will teach in the college core, with preference for teaching and/or research expertise in sociology, criminal justice, social work, and/or human services. The candidate should also be flexible and curious enough to teach coursework in the core and other program areas as needed. The teaching load is 12 hours per semester.

Additional duties include advising and mentoring students, contributing to departmental curriculum development, and participating in college-wide activities. Aquinas College is an inclusive educational community rooted in Catholic and Dominican traditions, with a focus on liberal arts education, career preparation, leadership, service, lifelong learning, sustainability, and the common good. Employees are expected to support the college’s sustainability efforts and conform to its Service Statement, which emphasizes excellence and respect, quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a statement on teaching philosophy and research interests that reflects on their potential contribution to the Aquinas College mission, and a curriculum vitae with at least three references.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in social work, sociology, criminal justice, or a related field; ABD candidates are welcome to apply.
• Ability to teach in the college core.
• Flexibility and curiosity to cover coursework in the core and other program areas as needed.
• Submit a cover letter, a statement on teaching philosophy and research interests reflecting on potential contribution to the Aquinas College mission, and a curriculum vitae with a list of at least three references.

Nice To Haves

• Teaching and/or research expertise in sociology, criminal justice, social work, and/or human services.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in the college core and, as needed, other program areas.
• Advise and mentor students.
• Participate in departmental curriculum development.
• Participate in college-wide activities.
• Engage with supervisors in appreciative inquiry to identify ways the position can advance sustainability.
• Conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid sick time.
• Short-term disability.
• College-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Free tuition at Aquinas for employees and their dependents after one year of full-time employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree