Assistant Professor of Practice, Criminology

The School of Sociology at the University of Arizona invites applications for a career-track Assistant Professor of Practice position to teach and provide administrative leadership in our Criminology program beginning August 2025. The School of Sociology offers online and Main Campus minors in Criminology that provide undergraduates at the University of Arizona with education, training, and applied experiences in Criminology-related professions. We also aspire to develop a major in Criminology.

The primary responsibilities of this academic year (9 month) career-track Assistant Professor of Practice include: teaching core and elective courses in our Criminology minor programs; providing administrative leadership and bringing innovative energy to the Criminology program; promoting student success; and providing and expanding opportunities for professional training that will help students prepare for careers in Criminology-related professions. This renewable career-track appointment is not eligible for tenure. During the interview process, candidate presentations and/or teaching demonstrations may be video recorded and subsequently reviewed by faculty unable to attend candidate interviews.

The School of Sociology supports Inclusive Excellence. Many students in the Criminology programs are first-generation college students and come from a broad array of backgrounds. The University of Arizona was the first four-year public university in Arizona recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). As a land-grant HSI, the University is committed to responsibly meeting the educational needs of the vibrant and increasingly diverse communities of Arizona.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction involves teaching a 3/4 course load during the
academic year (Fall/Spring), or perhaps 3/3 with one course taught in the
summer. Courses to be taught include but are not limited to SOC 342 Criminology,
SOC 341 Juvenile Delinquency, and Criminology minor elective courses (described here). Additional courses will be developed based on the
expertise of the successful candidate. Instruction modalities include both online
and in-person courses. Other non-traditional classroom teaching duties may
include directing the SOC 393 Internship and SOC 499 Independent Study courses as
well as supervising Honors College theses. Summer instruction for additional
pay is also possible.

Service includes providing vision and programmatic leadership
for the Criminology programs' continued growth and development. This service
includes but is not limited to:

• Promoting the programs on and off campus
• Exploring opportunities to create new Criminology programs in the School of Sociology
• Innovating the Criminology curriculum, keeping it current and in line with employment trends and employers' needs
• Providing mentorship and guidance for students seeking careers in Criminology-related professions
• Working with university and college efforts to recruit students to the Criminology programs and promote the opportunities, events, and accomplishments of our students and faculty
• Developing annual course schedules in collaboration with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, School Manager, and School Director
• Working closely with all Criminology instructors, including faculty on the Tenure and Career tracks, adjunct instructors, and Sociology PhD students
• Working with regional employers to identify opportunities for collaborations such as internship placements, service-learning opportunities, and professionalization seminars
• Recruiting adjunct lecturers for Criminology-related courses when needed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to innovative leadership and program growth
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, student support, mentorship, and career counseling
• Excellent communication skills and commitment to working collaboratively and proactively with teams of faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students

• Ph.D. in Sociology, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Law & Society, or related social science or interdisciplinary field by time of appointment
• Must reside in southern Arizona
  
  

• Experience using a variety of teaching methods and/or curricular perspectives to respond to the needs of a diverse student body at the undergraduate level
  
• Experience with curricular/program management