Instructor, Criminal Justice

Instructor, Criminal Justice

The Instructor of Criminal Justice is responsible for providing high-quality undergraduate instruction and fostering student success through effective teaching, advising, mentoring, and academic engagement. This nine-month, full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position teaches Criminal Justice courses in face-to-face and online learning environments, develops and assesses course materials and student learning outcomes, and supports students' academic, professional, and career development. The position contributes to curriculum coordination, program assessment, student recruitment and retention efforts, and departmental, college, and university service activities. The successful candidate will maintain current knowledge of developments within the criminal justice field, engage in professional development, collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and community partners, and support the mission of the Department of Criminal Justice and Lamar University through excellence in teaching, service, and student-centered learning.

Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Essential Job Functions

• Teach undergraduate Criminal Justice courses in face-to-face and online learning environments; develop and deliver course materials; assess student learning outcomes; provide academic advising, mentoring, and career guidance; maintain office hours; and support student success, retention, and professional development.
• Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation-related activities, instructional planning, student recruitment and retention initiatives, and other departmental academic priorities.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities; maintain current knowledge of developments within the criminal justice field through professional development; and support community engagement, agency partnerships, internships, and other activities that enhance student learning and career readiness.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 18 graduate semester credit hours in criminal justice, criminology, or a closely related discipline sufficient to meet faculty credentialing requirements.
• Academic preparation sufficient to teach a broad range of undergraduate Criminal Justice courses.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate Criminal Justice courses.
• Ability to use instructional technologies and learning management systems to support teaching and learning.

Desired Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of two years of previous college or university teaching experience in both face-to-face and online learning environments.

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Teaching and Instructional Effectiveness.
• Student Advising and mentoring.
• Online teaching and instructional technology.
• Commitment to Academic integrity and professional ethics.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Requires the ability to communicate effectively in individual and group settings, including delivering lectures, facilitating classroom discussions, advising students, and participating in meetings. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while teaching classes, conducting office hours, preparing instructional materials, and performing other faculty responsibilities. The position requires the ability to move between classrooms, offices, meeting locations, and other campus facilities; operate a computer and standard office and instructional equipment; and occasionally lift, carry, or transport instructional materials, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

Job Conditions: Work is primarily performed in classrooms, offices, meeting spaces, and other academic environments and requires regular on-campus presence to support teaching, office hours, student advising, departmental meetings, service activities, and other university responsibilities. Teaching assignments may include face-to-face and online instruction and may be scheduled during daytime, evening, or other designated class periods based on departmental needs. The position involves frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and external stakeholders, as well as occasional local travel for professional development, recruitment, community engagement, experiential learning opportunities, and other university-related functions. Work is conducted in a professional academic setting utilizing standard office and classroom equipment and involves minimal exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Pay Range: Commensurate

Who We Are: Lamar University is committed to fostering an environment of teamwork where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and become a part of our community.

Benefits

• Health, dental & vision insurance

• Life insurance

• State of Texas Retirement plans

• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents

• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays

• Lamar University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.