Instructor/Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice

Posting Number:

20260061FAC

Job Title:

Instructor/Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice

Number of Vacancies:

1

About Murray State:

Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits:

Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment:

Regular Full-Time

Work Location:

Murray, KY

Employment Term:

Academic Year

Position Type:

Faculty (Tenure-Track)

Department:

Criminal Justice and Social Work

Anticipated Start Date:

August 2027

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities:

This position will have a teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester. As this is a small undergraduate program, the ability to teach a variety of courses across the criminal justice curriculum is expected. The successful applicant will also be expected to teach graduate level criminal justice courses in the online CRJ concentration of the new MSU MBA program.

Responsibilities:

• Teach a variety of courses across the CRJ curriculum suited to experience and expertise.
• Teach graduate level criminal justice courses that make up the online CRJ concentration of the MSU MBA program.
• Serves as academic advisor and professional mentor for students.
• Actively participate in committee work, curriculum and professional development, and service to external stakeholders.
• Liaise with law enforcement agencies in the region.
• Develop in-service training for law enforcement officers.
• Recruit for the Criminal Justice Program as well as the CRJ concentration of the MBA program.
• If ranked as an Assistant Professor, maintain a research agenda.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements:

A Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or closely related field with commitment to complete a doctorate within 4 years of appointment is required. A doctorate with dissertation in Criminal Justice, Criminology or closely related social science discipline from an accredited university is strongly preferred. Please note that a Juris Doctorate alone will not be sufficient to meet the education requirement for this position.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements:

Flexibility to utilize different teaching methods: traditional, hybrid, online, etc.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

Professional experience in the field of law enforcement. A PhD in Criminal Justice and/or Criminology. Demonstrated teaching experience in higher education.

Note: If the successful candidate is master’s prepared, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track, instructor. If the successful candidate holds a terminal degree appropriate for the position, the position will be filled as a tenure-track, assistant professor.

Pay Plan:

Faculty II

Posting Date:

07/15/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Along with the application, the following items must be included:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of transcripts
• At least three references who can specifically comment upon your teaching ability, experience, and/or professional preparation

For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by October 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.