26-152 Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Department of Criminal Justice invites applicants for a Full-time, Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice position. The position begins in August 2027.

West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The mission of the College of Business and Public Management (CBPM), home of the Department of Criminal Justice, is to provide high quality - high value education through excellence in teaching and scholarship, community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning. CBPM is an AACSB accredited school. The Department of Criminal Justice remains on the cutting edge of the discipline. Our programs are dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders in criminal justice. Our esteemed faculty bring a wealth of experience from various sectors of the justice system. This diverse expertise ensures that our students receive a comprehensive and practical education that is deeply informed by real-world insights. Faculty typically teach at least two different course preparations per semester. Learn more about the Department of Criminal Justice.

The faculty position involves teaching undergraduate and/or graduate level courses that may be offered in in-person, online, and/or hybrid modalities depending on departmental needs. The ideal candidate will use innovative teaching skills and demonstrate strong attention to the learning and teaching needs of the department’s students. Their experience, substantive specialization, and pedagogical training will serve to strengthen the department's mission and vision. The faculty will collaborate with other departmental and college faculty & staff to ensure student success.

Responsibilities include:

• Teach and provide instructional learning at the undergraduate and/graduate level coursework in the Criminal Justice program via approved modalities. Additional courses may be assigned based on area of specialization depending on department needs.
• Engage in scholarly activities, including research, publications, and presentations
• Advise and mentor students. Maintain office hours
• Serve the University, College, Department, and the community through participation in various committees
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Ph.D in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or closely related discipline. ABD may be considered - Doctoral dissertation must be successfully completed on or before August 2027
• Expertise in cybercrime, including digital forensics, cybersecurity roles, artificial intelligence in security, transnational, and cyberfraud
• Experience teaching undergraduate college students
• Research and scholarship related to Criminal Justice
• Experience working with diverse populations or underserved communities

• Expertise teaching research methods or data analysis; and/or
• Experience teaching graduate level courses; and/or
• Experience teaching in various modalities, including in-person, online (synchronous or asynchronous), or a hybrid format

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review of applications will begin in September 2026 and continue until the position is filled. In accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreement, this advertisement may be closed without notice upon receipt of a sufficient pool of qualified candidates.

Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process to be considered a finalist.

Required Documents for Consideration

To be considered as an applicant for this position, please submit the following:

• Cover letter (Outline meeting and/or exceeding the minimum qualifications)
• Curriculum vitae
• Unofficial graduate level transcript (official transcripts will be required at a later date)
• List of three (3) references (Include name, email address, and phone number for each reference). For the finalists, references will be contacted
• Service Statement (see below):

West Chester University is a community of educators that develops graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU GRADUATES WILL:

• Apply scientific reasoning and demonstrate quantitative and qualitative literacy
• Collaborate with others to solve problems and address societal needs
• Communicate effectively and participate in civic discourse
• Engage inclusively in a diverse society
• Understand the ethical implications of decisions and the world in which they live

INSTITUTIONAL GOALS:

To fulfill its mission as a public institution serving the Commonwealth, West Chester University will focus on student success and institutional improvement as measured by the degree to which WCU demonstrates:

• Access to learning
• Community and cultural engagement
• Continuous improvement
• Critical thinking
• Inclusion
• Scholarly and creative activities
• Sustainability

Given this, please select from one of the prompts below to create a service statement (no more than 1 page)

Engagement with the Campus Community

• Describe your efforts to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. How have you contributed to fostering a sense of belonging in your department or institution?

Mentorship and Student Support

• How have you worked to support and mentor students with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives? Share specific examples of how you have helped students navigate challenges in their academic or professional journeys.

Outreach and Community Involvement

• Discuss your experiences working with community organizations, schools, or educational programs that aim to expand access to higher education. How have you helped ensure broader participation in your field?

Pedagogical and Curricular Contributions

• How have you contributed to developing curricula, programs, or initiatives that are accessible and relevant to a broad range of students? Provide examples of how you have designed or implemented courses that engage with multiple perspectives.

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Reflect on your participation in initiatives, committees, or professional development activities that aim to create a welcoming academic environment. How have you collaborated with colleagues to enhance student success and engagement?

Research and Scholarship Impact

• In what ways has your research or scholarly work contributed to increasing opportunities, perspectives, and voices in your field? Describe any projects or initiatives aimed at broadening participation, access or engagement.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email hrs@wcupa.edu for questions regarding the application process.