Part-Time Faculty - Sociology & Criminology, Academic Year 2026 - 2027

University of Maine • Portland, ME

2d

About The Position

The University of Southern Maine’s Department of Sociology and Criminology invites applications for part-time faculty. We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus for reference. Courses to be taught may include but are not limited to: Race and Punishment (CRM 365) – This course examines the historical origins of the practice and politics of punishment in the United States, with emphasis on the racial history of the country's criminal legal system. It explores contemporary patterns, practices and policies pertaining to race and punishment in the U.S., in historical context. Particular attention will be given to the dynamics that have driven therise of mass incarceration across the country, with a view to the historical evolution of criminal punishment in the U.S., in the context of racial capitalism, and the role played by race in this process. The course also examines race in the context of whiteness and white supremacy, while considering how racialized punitive practices intersect with class status, gender, and religion. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (SOC 371) - This course explores race and ethnicity in Sociology through the application of both classic and current scholarship to social issues and institutions. We investigate disparate access to modern US society through the lens of race and ethnicity in education, health care, housing, food resources, environmental protection, and even access to scholarship itself. Particular attention goes to current issues of race and ethnicity in our society. The course emphasizes the students’ own power to promote stronger, more equitable social institutions through learning from models of collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment. The Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Southern Maine examines the social forces that shape communities, institutions, and individual experiences. Through interdisciplinary coursework and research, students explore topics such as social inequality, criminal justice systems, community dynamics, and the cultural and structural factors that influence behavior and policy. The department emphasizes critical thinking, applied learning, and community engagement, preparing students for careers in criminal justice, social services, public policy, research, and related fields. Faculty are committed to mentoring students and connecting classroom learning with real-world issues, helping graduates develop the analytical and practical skills needed to address complex social challenges. Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience, as determined by the Part-Time Faculty Association of Maine (PATFA), an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union. To view the Credit Hour Rates for AY 2026, please refer to the PATFA Contract . Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality. The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University . The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community. We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Requirements

• PhD in criminology or a related field. Applicants with JDs or PhD students at ABD status will also be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Previous teaching at the College level is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• teaching
• assessing student performance
• meeting with students as needed
• full delivery and grading of the course

Benefits

• Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System.
• The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees