Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice department at Widener University seeks applicants for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice to begin August 2027. This position will have a teaching load of 4/3 and involves teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level. The candidate is also expected to serve as an academic advisor to undergraduate criminal justice majors, assist with supervising interns, and participate in academic citizenship. The area of specialization is open, but versatility across research methods, criminal justice ethics, and criminological theory would be preferred.

The Criminal Justice Department is housed in the Social Science Division of the College of Arts & Sciences and offers a BA and MA in Criminal Justice. The department has 5 full-time faculty members and is the second largest major in the division. Our program focuses on theory and application to prepare students for a variety of pathways, including law school, graduate school, and working in all parts of the criminal justice system. The department values experiential learning for our students and requires an internship prior to graduation.

Those candidates experienced in, or who would enjoy, working with a diverse range of faculty, staff and students, and those who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vita, statement of teaching philosophy, and evidence of teaching effectiveness. Additionally, three confidential letters of reference must be sent to artsandsciences@widener.edu.

Applications will no longer be accepted after October 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed starting November 1st. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information about Widener University and the Department of Criminal Justice, see www.widener.edu.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties

Teaching

• 4/3 teaching load
• Develop course materials and assessments that foster critical thinking and content mastery.
• Evaluate student performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Maintain regular weekly office hours to provide academic support and guidance to students enrolled in assigned courses.

Mentorship

• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.

Research

• Establish and maintain a successful research program in the candidate’s field or discipline
• Engage and mentor undergraduate students in their research program

Service

• Attend division, College, and University faculty meetings and contribute to department initiatives.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned and participate in the intellectual life of the Department, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required

• PhD complete prior to Fall 2027. A JD degree alone is not sufficient.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching at the college level.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in teaching and service.
• Degree must be from an accredited university or college.

Preferred

• PhD in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or a closely related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS

• Must be available for in-person instruction.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or grading papers, and the ability to lecture in a classroom.
• Must have the ability to speak clearly and audibly to deliver lectures, facilitate classroom discussions, and interact with students and colleagues.
• Must have the ability to move around campus to attend meetings and teach in different classrooms.
• Minimal lifting may be involved for tasks such as carrying materials to class or moving books.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran. U.S. work authorization is required.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D