Description

ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES

                                            Truman State University

The School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University seeks applicants for a 
tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in Criminal Justice Studies to begin 
August 2026.
This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman’s campus in 
Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty 
are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and 
interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University’s core curriculum (The Dialogues) and 
contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will provide classroom instruction in lower and 
upper division courses across the unique interdisciplinary Criminal Justice Studies 
curriculum. The area of specialization for this position is open, but successful candidates 
will have enthusiasm for teaching foundational courses such as Introduction to Criminal 
Justice Studies in addition to core coursework covering criminological theory (including 
critical criminology theory), research methodology, and/or upper-level seminars. They will 
develop an active research program, preferably involving undergraduate students, serve as 
an advisor to students in the major, contribute to academic and co-curricular initiatives, 
participate collegially within the learning community, and perform regular University 
service.

Required Qualifications (Assistant Professor):

• PhD in Criminology, Sociology, or closely related field. All-but-dissertation (ABD) 
  candidates will be considered, but a Ph.D. must be completed by the start date.

Required Qualifications (Associate Professor):

• PhD in Criminology, Sociology, or related field;
• prior full-time experience teaching undergraduate students;
• a demonstrated record of achievement consistent with associate professor rank 
  under Truman's teacher-scholar model in the areas of teaching, advising, 
  scholarship, and service.

Applicants will be evaluated on:

• academic qualifications;
• evidence of, or potential for, teaching excellence in lower-level courses, including 
  Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies;
• evidence of, or potential for, teaching excellence in criminology theory (including 
  critical criminology);
• evidence of, or potential for, teaching excellence in a variety of upper-level elective 
  and required courses (such as advanced criminological theory, research methods, 
  and advanced seminars);
• evidence of, or potential for, interdisciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary teaching;
• evidence of, or potential for, developing in undergraduates inquiry, ethical 
  reasoning, and problem-solving about crime, justice, and social systems;
• demonstrated ability to develop an active research program, preferably involving 
  undergraduates;
• strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; and
• evidence of commitment to liberal arts education.

Program: The Criminal Justice Studies program provides a uniquely interdisciplinary 
education in the study of criminal justice. Students choose from one of four 
interdisciplinary concentrations: Law & Society, Criminological Theory & Research, 
Criminal Justice Administration, or Forensic Investigation. The expected teaching load for 
this position is three courses per semester. For more information about the Criminal 
Justice Studies program, please visit https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/majorsminors/criminal-justice-studies-major/.

Rank and Salary: This is a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate 
Professor. The salary for the rank of Assistant Professor is $62,500 and the salary for 
Associate Professor is $66,300.

Benefits: Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and 
disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving 
expenses. Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees 
after one year. More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our 
approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic 
environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative 
projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or 
professional school.
Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes highimpact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman 
has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and 
universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public 
university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington 
Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. 
For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and 
acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub 
in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of 
osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community 
college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. 
The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue 
Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The 
charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the 
site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets and summer 
concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand 
Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. 
Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights 
from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the 
country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at 
visitkirksville.com.

Application: Applications must be submitted electronically at 
https://apply.interfolio.com/182600

For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-
785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

Complete applications must include:

• a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative 
  criteria listed above;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a statement of scholarly interests;
• a statement of teaching philosophy that considers our program’s liberal arts and 
  sciences setting;
• a writing sample;
• contact information for at least three references;

official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate 
transcripts are required at the time of hire).

Review of applications will begin April 3, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. If 
hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official 
graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final 
candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this 
position may be directed to Kathryn Brammall, Chair of Social Sciences and Human Inquiry 
(brammall@truman.edu). Please include “Criminal Justice Systems Search” in the subject 
line.

Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, 
promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national 
origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any 
other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and 
equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be 
directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu.
Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with 
disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an 
accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, 
Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu