Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice

Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies / School of Social Sciences / College of Humanities and Social Sciences

About the role

The Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies at Montclair State University is seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice, beginning August 27, 2027. While the search is broad in scope, preference will be given to candidates ready to teach required courses such as research methods, criminology, and/or the department’s interdisciplinary course on theories of justice. Faculty are expected to contribute to the University’s mission through excellence in teaching, research/scholarship, and service.

Responsibilities

• Teaching: 12 teaching credit hours (TCH) per semester, with potential reassigned time (course release) for additional responsibilities such as mentoring doctoral faculty or administering programs. Responsibilities include classroom instruction, student mentoring and advising, and developing/updating courses aligned with student demands and institutional priorities.
• Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity: Maintain an active research agenda, sharing results in significant national/international scholarly or artistic venues. The Faculty Scholarship Program (FSP) provides up to 6 TCH of reassigned time per academic year for research-active faculty.
• Service: Contribute to shared governance, academic program vitality, and professional communities at the department, college, university, and professional levels.

About the Department

The Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies is the second-largest in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, with over 500 criminal justice majors. The department offers a master’s degree in Justice Innovation and Leadership and emphasizes interdisciplinary focus areas including Criminal Justice/Criminology, Law, International Justice, and Social Justice. The department serves a large minoritized and first-generation college student population.

About the College

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) is Montclair State’s largest college, with over 5,000 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. CHSS provides academically rigorous and relevant programs aimed at developing critical thinking, ethical action, and informed citizenship. The college supports use-inspired research and graduate programs that apply knowledge to benefit local and broader communities.

Requirements

Required:

• Earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Record of achievement and potential for future success in research, scholarship, or creative activity.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching all students.
• Commitment to service.

Preferred:

• Significant record of scholarly/creative work.
• Experience teaching criminology, criminal justice, or sociology courses at the undergraduate level.
• Experience teaching a diverse student body and first-generation college students.
• Peer-reviewed publications in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field.

Required Materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and teaching statements
• Representative publications

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to supply 3 letters of recommendation.

Pay

Salary range: $80,309.12–$100,398.29 annually. The position may be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. Learn more about benefits.

Application review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.