Assistant Professor- Critical Corrections and Prison Education, Department of Criminal Justice

Posting Details

Position Information

Title Assistant Professor- Critical Corrections and Prison Education, Department of Criminal Justice Rank Assistant Professor Tenure Information Tenure Track Department Summary

Bridgewater State University's Department of Criminal Justice invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position to begin Fall 2027. The department seeks a collaborative teacher/scholar who is student-oriented and committed to an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and respects diversity and difference. The ideal candidate will be committed to excellence in teaching, mentoring, scholarship, and service.

The Department enrolls more than 600 undergraduate majors, a third of whom are students of color. It houses a Victimology concentration, a Youth and Juvenile justice concentration and a Racial and Social Justice concentration in addition to the BS in Criminal Justice and is home to a vibrant graduate program including offerings in cyber criminology and cybersecurity. The Department of Criminal Justice is a diverse, dynamic, interdisciplinary department with a strong focus on critical thought, undergraduate research, social justice and equity, where each member of the faculty is committed to providing a meaningful, educational experience to every single student, one student at a time.

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students; focused on the continuous improvement of its people; and is responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking and the pursuit of new knowledge and deeper understanding. The teaching and learning environment at Bridgewater also cultivates meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships and fosters an appreciation for global engagement aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

Essential Duties

Bridgewater State University has a 4-4 teaching responsibility (most often implemented with a three-course preparation) supported with significant professional development opportunities and guidance.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach a variety of criminal justice courses, with preference given to candidates who have experience teaching courses in one or more of the following areas: prison education or corrections. Additionally, student advising, service to the department and working with students on undergraduate research are essential duties. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a record of scholarly inquiry and a commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching. We are particularly interested in candidates who use high-impact active learning teaching strategies that inspire and support students from diverse backgrounds and in possession of different gifts.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or Criminology by September 1, 2027. Other closely related fields may be considered. A law degree alone does not meet the terminal degree requirement for this position.

The successful applicant will offer evidence of involvement with prison education programs like Inside/Out, scholarly activity and teaching experience related to corrections/penology, and/or activism/service regarding reentry, decarceration or abolition.

Applicants should be deeply committed to excellence in teaching, social justice, mentoring, and to working in a multicultural environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.

They must also have a commitment to public higher education, to innovative and impactful teaching strategies, and to meaningful collaboration.

The successful applicant will demonstrate an ability to use technology effectively in teaching and learning and can offer evidence of an active scholarly agenda.

Applicants must demonstrate an ability to dialogue impactfully with students from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Teaching experience in higher education, including with hybrid and online teaching formats, is preferred.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

Salary is commensurate with experience in accordance with the Appendix O of the MSCA contract. A reasonable starting salary range to expect for a new faculty member appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor is $75,000 to $85,000.

EEO Statement

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number F00659P Open Date 09/25/2026 Close Date 11/25/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:

• A minimum of three (3) professional reference entries in space provided on the application form.
• Cover letter
• CV
• Statement of teaching philosophy and experience, including information related to experience and interest in using inclusive and impactful teaching strategies and techniques for including students with varied backgrounds and learning styles
• Statement regarding research agenda and plan, including interest in capacity for supervising undergraduate research
• Equity and Inclusion Statement- a personal statement on a candidate's past efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss scholarship, professional skills, and demonstrable experience that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.
• Instructional artifact, like a syllabus, lesson plan or other materials that demonstrate a capacity to engage with and support students with varied backgrounds and learning styles

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Statement
• Research Statement
• Related Professional Materials
• Other

Optional Documents