Assistant/Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Tenure Track – Alvernia University – Reading, PA, US

Summary

Alvernia University's Criminal Justice Department is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor. The position, located in Reading, PA, is available for Spring or Fall 2027. The successful candidate will primarily teach in-person undergraduate courses, contribute to student advising and mentorship, and engage in scholarly activities. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or a closely related field, or be on track to complete it by August 15, 2027. The role emphasizes active student engagement and campus presence. The department is part of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences and benefits from strong community partnerships and a dedicated crime investigation house. The application deadline for full consideration is October 20, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Criminal Justice
Position Type	Assistant/Associate Professor
Discipline	Criminal Justice
Degree Required	Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or a closely related field
Contract Duration	Tenure Track
Deadline	2026-10-20
Employer Address	Alvernia University Reading, PA, United States

About the Project

The successful candidate is expected to engage in ongoing scholarly activities and develop or continue a research agenda appropriate to the discipline and their professional interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach in-person undergraduate courses across the curriculum, from introductory to capstone levels
• Potentially teach a section of the First-Year Search Seminar in the fall semester
• Actively contribute to the life of the department through student advising, mentorship, and engagement in co-curricular and extracurricular activities
• Support the department's strong emphasis on service, community engagement, and student development
• Engage in ongoing scholarly activities and develop or continue a research agenda appropriate to the discipline and the candidate's professional interests

Required Skills

• Excellence in teaching
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Record of scholarly engagement appropriate to experience
• Ability to teach courses such as writing for criminal justice professionals, research methods, corrections, probation and parole, and law enforcement-related courses
• Commitment to developing student-centered programming and experiential learning opportunities
• Interest in fostering partnerships with community agencies and organizations
• Demonstrated commitment to mission, diversity, equity, and inclusion

Who Should Apply

Candidates with a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or a closely related field, or those expecting to complete their Ph.D. by August 15, 2027, are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, strong communication skills, and a record of scholarly engagement. Preference will be given to those who can teach courses such as writing for criminal justice professionals, research methods, corrections, probation and parole, and law enforcement, and who are committed to student-centered programming, community partnerships, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• Robust Health Coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• University-paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability
• Options for short-term disability and supplemental coverage (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity plans)
• Flexible spending accounts
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 100% immediate vesting, University gift contribution, and generous match up to 5% of deferrals
• 20 paid holidays each year, including 5 floating holidays
• Tuition remission benefits for self and dependents
• Free access to the Medical & Counseling Center for benefit-eligible employees on the main campus
• Employee Meal Plan at a reduced cost

About the Employer

Alvernia University is an institution with a long-standing Criminal Justice program, supported by complementary disciplines like social work, addictions and mental health treatment, psychology, forensic science, political science, and cybersecurity. The department has robust partnerships with local agencies and a dedicated crime investigation house for hands-on simulations. The university prepares both residential undergraduate students and adult learners for careers through a foundation in theory and experiential learning. Alvernia University is an equal opportunity employer and expects employees to promote Franciscan ideals and advance the University's mission through service, respect, intellectual curiosity, innovation, and mutual accountability, with a shared responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline for full consideration is October 20, 2026.

When does the position begin?

The position can begin either Spring 2027 or Fall 2027, as negotiated.

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or a closely related field, or provide evidence that the degree will be completed by August 15, 2027.

What is the primary focus of instruction for this position?

This position is primarily focused on in-person instruction within the university's traditional undergraduate program.

What is the standard teaching load?

The standard teaching load is 4/4.

What are some of the benefits offered with this position?

Benefits include robust health coverage, university-paid life/AD&D insurance, a 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate vesting and university contributions, 20 paid holidays, tuition remission, and on-campus wellness access.