Instructor/Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Job Description
Special Instructions to Applicant:

Please submit completed application, resume, cover letter, and transcripts.

Job Summary:

POSITION : Instructor/Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

FOCUS: Criminal Justice and Sociology

DEPARTMENT : School of Professional Studies

DATE OPENED: Consideration of applications begins immediately.

STARTING DATE: August 2026

General Summary:

Responsible for providing instruction in accordance with the philosophy and objectives of the College.

Essential Duties:

1. Contribute to students' academic growth and development, which includes all of the following.

A. Teaching, which includes but is not limited to the following:
i. Have knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject
ii. Maintain competence in the assigned field of specialization and exhibit professional competence in the classroom, studio or laboratory
iii. Maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning
iv. Maintain respect for the student and the student's posture as a learner
v. Organize course and subject matter to acquaint all students with the course requirements including specific objectives, and methods of evaluation
vi. Organize course presentations through short-term and long-range outcomes
vii. Present abstract ideas and theories clearly
viii. Conduct classroom presentations and activities utilizing methods appropriate to reach students of varying educational/experiential backgrounds and learning styles
ix. Actively engage students in lectures, discussions or laboratories
x. Coordinate handouts, video and/or online materials and/or articles to update course content
xi. Incorporate new methodologies in teaching and technology into classes
xii. Encourage student to think for themselves
xiii. Be flexible and innovative with teaching styles and approaches, as appropriate to the class
xiv. Be reliable in meeting scheduled responsibilities
xv. Be accessible to students; post and maintain office hours
xvi. Provide regular and timely assessment of student progress
xvii. Be fair in examinations and grading
xviii. Participate in program assessment and catalog revisions
xix. Periodically evaluate and develop new courses, where necessary, revise and update existing courses to maintain relevant and current content.
xx. Participate in program review and updating requirements

B. Advising students, which includes but is not limited to the following:
i. Be knowledgeable about college policies and program requirements
ii. Help students plan programs of study
iii. Provide students with advice on academic issues and career counseling, tutoring, and other academic support resources
iv. Assist in the development, implementation, and assessment of the departmental enrollment management plan, including serving directly in student recruitment, retention, and success strategies
v. Schedule and maintain availability for student advising
vi. Establish and maintain timely communication with advisees
vii. Provide leadership and supervision for student organizations and activities

Example of Work Performed (cont.)

2. Professional achievement and continual preparation and study through scholarly and creative activity will vary according to the field, examples of which may include the following:

A. Participate in academic organizations related to teaching assignment
B. Give scholarly and/or creative presentations, workshops or performances
C. Produce scholarly and/or creative materials such as original or applied research, manuscripts, articles, book reviews, musical arrangements, or works of art
D. Engage in appropriate professional development to enhance performance as faculty member
E. Seek external funding through approved grant and contract work related to discipline, as appropriate and assigned
F. Provide evidence of achievement within and significance of contributions to field
G. Provide evidence of quality and originality of thought or work and breadth and depth of perspective
H. Be willing and able to continue individual development and professional productivity as a member of the faculty.

3. Professional services rendered outside the academic discipline in ways other than teaching that contribute to the work of the College vary from individual to individual. Service to the college and community, and profession related to the professional assignment includes the following:

A. Participate in campus and community presentations
B. Serve on discipline, department, school, and campus-wide committees and initiatives
C. Take an active role in discipline, departmental, and school accreditation and reaccreditation activities, as appropriate and as assigned
D. Periodically evaluate and develop new courses, where necessary, consistent with the role and mission of the institution, school and department
E. Sponsor student organizations, as appropriate and assigned, and participate in student-based activities
F. Provide leadership in professional organizations and/or good citizenship in the community at large
G. Foster and sustain collegial relations with campus, community and profession

Secondary Duties:
Other duties as assigned by Dean

About Us:

Peru State College’s “Campus of a Thousand Oaks,” an arboretum campus, is nestled in the hills of historic southeast Nebraska. The state’s first college, Peru State offers a unique mix of innovative online and traditional classroom undergraduate and graduate programs, including online graduate degrees in education and organizational management. Member institution of the Nebraska State College System.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in criminal justice, sociology, or a related area, with a minimum of 15 hours of graduate coursework in criminal justice or sociology; online and classroom teaching experience; and experience and/or interest in increasing student success and engagement, particularly of underrepresented students.

Preferred Qualifications:

Terminal degree in criminal justice, sociology, or a related area. Professional experience in criminal justice or law enforcement.

Completion of a terminal degree is required for a tenure track position.

Compliance Requirements:

Background Check

Information at a Glance
Req Id: 2057
Org Unit: School of Professional Studies PSC
Tenure:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Union: State College Education Association (SCEA)
Job Location: Peru, NE 68421
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with qualifications
Job Type: Full-Time
Worksite Eligibility: On-site
Benefits Eligible: Yes