Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Studies / Sociology (TT)

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES / SOCIOLOGY (TT)

Truman State University

The School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Criminal Justice Studies / Sociology 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 : Provide classroom instruction in lower- and upper-division sociology and criminal justice studies courses. Successful candidate must be able to teach introduction to sociology; introduction to criminal justice studies; sociology electives to complement existing offerings; criminal justice studies courses focused on policing, corrections, or rehabilitation; criminal justice studies electives to complement existing offerings; courses to support Truman’s campuswide interdisciplinary programs; fulfill additional faculty duties including advising and developing an active research program, preferably involving undergraduates; collaborate in the ongoing assessment of Social Science and Human Inquiry programs; participate in departmental activities including student recruitment; and perform other regular service to the University and community.

Required Qualifications : Appointment requires a Ph.D. in Sociology, Criminology or Criminal Justice, or a closely related field by the start date.

Applicants will be evaluated on :

• academic qualifications;
• compatibility with program and department needs;
• teaching background or the potential for teaching introduction to criminal justice studies, policing, corrections, and / or rehabilitation;
• teaching background or the potential for teaching classes in social institutions, social problems, sociology of health and illness, global sociology, or child studies;
• teaching background or potential for teaching advanced courses in criminological theory, sociological theory, and research design / data analysis and report writing sequence;
• evidence of teaching effectiveness, including potential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in undergraduates;
• evidence of experience with or interest in interdisciplinary and / or cross-disciplinary teaching, including interdisciplinary majors and minors;
• demonstrated ability to develop an active research program, preferably involving undergraduates;
• strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; and
• commitment to collegiality within the learning community.

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 / .

Program : Criminal Justice Studies and Sociology / Anthropology are part of the multidisciplinary department of Social Sciences and Human Inquiry , which is also home to History, Philosophy & Religion, Political Science & International Relations, and Social Issue Advocacy.

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. Sociology is part of a combined Sociology / Anthropology degree program, equipping students with perspectives for understanding human behavior and human conditions past and present, from a firmly liberal arts foundation in both disciplines.

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 high-impact 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 / 174535

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

Complete applications must include :

Review of applications will begin 11 / 20 / 2025 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 ).

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 .