Assistant/Associate/Full Teaching Professor - Criminal and Justice Studies

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) at the University of Missouri (MU) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Teaching Professor in the School of Social Work's (SSW) newly established Criminal and Justice Studies (CJS) Program. Beginning in the 2026 academic year, the SSW will offer MU's first Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal and Justice Studies.

About the Department/Program

The Criminal and Justice Studies (CJS) program at MU is designed to provide students with comprehensive education, hands-on training, and experiential learning opportunities for careers in juvenile and adult court services, parole and probation, law enforcement, child welfare investigations, forensic social work, first response, and related fields. The program also prepares students for advanced study in law and other disciplines.

Housed within the College of Health Sciences and the MU School of Social Work (SSW), the CJS program reflects the School's mission to promote leadership and excellence in professional practice and policy by preparing students for excellence in practice, research, and policy. Building on the success of MU's Criminal Justice minor and the SSW's longstanding commitment to academic engagement and program development, research, and teaching in areas such as corrections, juvenile justice, and court programs, the CJS major offers a strong academic foundation and practical experience.

The MU School of Social Work includes 25 faculty members (52% tenure/tenure track and 48% non-tenure track) and a dedicated staff supporting academic and research functions, including grant writing and pre- and post-award services. Currently, the School serves approximately 600 students across pre-majors, CJS, BSW, MSW, and PhD programs, and offers dual and joint degree options such as the MSW/MPH and MSW/PhD, as well as minors in Criminal Justice, and Gerontological Social Work.

The School is home to the Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic, a faculty-supervised, student-facilitated clinic providing behavioral health services through faculty-supervised student clinics. It also partners with the Missouri Prevention Science Institute and hosts the Collaborative for Criminal and Juvenile Justice Priorities. Nationally ranked among the top ten comparable research-intensive public schools of social work by Academic Analytics, the MU-SSW is recognized for scholarly productivity, federal grant funding, and national awards.

For more information and to explore faculty research and teaching, visit http://ssw.missouri.edu.

Position Overview

Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses within our growing degree program and providing academic advising to students. This position emphasizes high-quality instruction and student support, with a teaching load of eight (8) three-credit-hour courses per academic year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teaching (80% FTE):
  • Design and deliver engaging, college-level courses in criminal and justice studies.
  • Incorporate instructional strategies and technology to enhance student learning.
  • Maintain clear and effective verbal and written communication in all teaching activities.
• Student Advising and Mentorship (10% FTE):
  • Advise and mentor undergraduate students pursuing a degree in criminal and justice studies.
  • Support students in professional development.
• Other Duties (10% FTE):
  • Participate in program-related activities and contribute to the overall success of the CJS program.

The minimum qualification for this position:

• Graduate degree (Master's or Doctoral) in criminal justice, criminology, social work, law, or a related field.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Demonstrated experience in supervisory roles within the juvenile or criminal justice system (e.g., law enforcement, courts, child welfare, corrections).
• Strong capacity for clear communication and effective teaching of adult learners.
• Ability to integrate technology into teaching and advising.
• Prior experience teaching in higher education.
• Ability to work effectively with students and colleagues in various academic settings, and maintaining a productive and effective learning environment.
• Experience mentoring students and supporting their academic and professional growth.

Salary will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the applicant.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online through the University of Missouri website at: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings (search for Job Opening 58309). Your application should include:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Cover letter that will address prior experiences
3. Three letters of reference-two from prior supervisors

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

If you have questions, please email the Chair of Search Committee, Professor Danielle Easter at o.danielle.easter@health.missouri.edu.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

About the College of Health Sciences

At the Mizzou College of Health Sciences https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/about/, we work every day to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

As the home of the most popular major on campus, we teach Mizzou students who care about health and are dedicated to serving others. In addition to learning in the classroom, our students spend more than 80,150 hours helping patients every year.

Our faculty are driven to solve real-world problems. They lead the way by conducting research that has power and purpose. From expanding the use of technology in health care to improving mental health and learning in schools, we are discovering ways to make life better.

Through clinics and community outreach programs, we provide vital services to members of our community and training for our students. We are proud to serve Missourians today while preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.