Visiting Assistant Professor - Criminology

Otterbein University, a comprehensive liberal arts institution, invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor position in Criminology.

About the Role

This appointment begins in August 2026.

Responsibilities

• Teach eight three-credit-hour courses per academic year.
• Teach Department-specific courses in Criminology.
• Teach Sociology courses in university-wide general education or interdisciplinary programs, including Introduction to Sociology and Dimensions of Culture in Society.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or A.B.D. in Sociology or Criminology at the time of appointment is required.
• Specialty area in Criminology.
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching excellence in the liberal arts tradition.
• Experience teaching, advising, and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.
• Preference given to candidates with the ability to incorporate a critical criminology/social justice focus into classes on the criminal justice system and sociology of deviance.

About the Department

The Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies at Otterbein University currently has two full-time faculty and committed part-time faculty serving roughly 80 majors, along with general education programs and students in Race and Ethnic Studies, Public Health Education, Legal Studies, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

• Offers a BA in Sociology, a BA in Criminology & Justice Studies, and minors in Sociology, Criminology & Justice Studies, and Justice Studies.
• Provides students a multi-level understanding of global connections and social forces acting on interaction, identities, social groups, organizations, communities, and nations.
• Fosters knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work for justice in institutions, workplaces, and as engaged citizens.
• Creates scholarship and applied learning opportunities in preparation for diverse careers and graduate education in sociology, criminology, and related fields such as social work, human and community services, public policy, the law, and justice-related fields.

To learn more about the Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies, visit https://www.otterbein.edu/sociology-criminology-justice-studies/.

About Otterbein University

Otterbein University is a private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio, minutes away from Columbus, Ohio's largest city. Otterbein provides an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive.

• Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity.
• First university in Ohio selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center.
• Works with its campus community and local school districts to create positive narrative change about race, promote racial healing activities, and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity.

To learn more about Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu.

Location

Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Westerville has received notable national designations, including appearances on Money Magazine's Top 100 list of America's "Best Places to Live" and recognition as one of Forbes' "America's Friendliest Towns."

• Population of approximately 37,000 people.
• Combines the beauty and convenience of a medium-sized community with the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of Columbus, a thriving and diverse metropolitan area of 1.4 million people.
• Central Ohio is the fastest-growing area in the state with stability provided by a diversified economy.

Pay

$62,226 for the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor.

Benefits

• Full University benefits package.
• Tuition benefit to employee, spouse or domestic partner, and dependents.
• 12 paid holidays plus bonus days.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you, dependents, or domestic partner.
• Life insurance.
• Defined contribution retirement plan.