Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice - Corrections

Department: School of Criminal Justice

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: $65,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, may vary depending on class schedule; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) at Wichita State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position starting on August 2, 2027 in Criminal Justice with the ability to teach and conduct research in the area of Corrections. We seek a dynamic and innovative scholar committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The successful candidate will contribute to our undergraduate and graduate programs, engage in impactful research, and participate in departmental, college, and university committees. The salary for this 9-month position will be $65,000.

As one of the oldest criminal justice programs in the United States, our school offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Criminal Justice, a fully online bachelor's degree in Homeland Security, a bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, and master’s degrees in Forensic Biology and Forensic Firearms. Due to the school's strong partnership with local and state agencies, faculty have abundant research opportunities.

The SCJ is housed in the Law Enforcement Training Center on WSU’s Innovation Campus – a partnership building shared with the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. The SCJ has close partnerships with the Midwest Criminal Justice Institute and with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), which has two buildings on the Innovation Campus housing the Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence, the NIBIN National Correlation and Training Center II, and the ATF Wichita Field Office.

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in criminal justice, including corrections. The standard teaching load for research-active faculty is three classes per semester.
Develop and maintain an active research agenda that leads to refereed publications.
Seek external funding for research projects, individually or collaboratively, with faculty or local/state agencies.
Mentor and advise students.
Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.
Engage with the community and contribute to public scholarship.

Required Education and Experience:

• Terminal degree in direct field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

• PhD or other terminal degree in criminal justice, sociology, criminology, or other related field completed prior to August 2027.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching in multiple modalities (e.g., online, hybrid, in-person)
• Demonstrated potential for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Information:

Please complete the Faculty Profile including the names and contact information of three (3) references and upload the following documents:
1) A cover letter
2) Current CV which clearly outlines practical experience in corrections
3) A statement of teaching philosophy

For full consideration, completed applications should be submitted by November 2, 2026. For additional information, please contact david.eichhorn@wichita.edu.

WSU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%