Description
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must complete an online application at https://jobs.usm.edu. Along with the application, applicants should include: (1) a cover letter detailing potential for high-quality teaching and scholarly and service activities; (2) a curriculum vita; (3) a statement of teaching philosophy and goals; (4) a list of three professional references along with contact information for each; and (5) unofficial transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions. To receive priority consideration, applications must be received by January 9, 2026. Official transcripts will be required prior to a campus interview. Anticipated start date for this position is August 2026.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
All questions concerning this position should be directed to:
Dr. Annabelle Frazier, Search Committee Chair
School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Security
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #5127, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
annabelle.frazier@usm.edu
Job Summary
The School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Security at the University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure track Assistant Teaching Professor or Instructor of Criminal Justice. The teaching load is four classes per semester (Fall and Spring). The position is based on the Hattiesburg campus (Hattiesburg, MS). The ideal candidate for this position would be well qualified to teach a wide range of criminal justice courses, including the areas of law and courts, security studies, corrections, and policing, in both face-to-face and hybrid/online formats.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Teach, advise, and mentor college students at the university level.
Face-to-face and online course delivery and instruction.
Prepare and submit syllabi, grades and other required course documentation and assessment materials in a timely manner.
Engage in scholarly and service activities commensurate with university, college, and school expectations.
Hold regular office hours.
Attendance at school, college and university meetings and recruitment events.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications: Instructor of Criminal Justice
Earned master’s degree in Criminal Justice or Criminology (or a closely related field) from an accredited university or earned Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and housed within an accredited university.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Instructor of Criminal Justice
Ability to teach effectively (both online and in traditional settings) at the university level in an undergraduate criminal justice degree program.
Ability to articulate concepts and instructions effectively to students.
Ability to effectively engage in scholarly and service activities in the discipline.
Ability to effectively advise and mentor college students at the university level.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Specialized knowledge in the field of criminal justice as demonstrated through graduate level coursework, research, and/or professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Instructor of Criminal Justice
Ability to effectively teach a wide range of criminal justice courses.
Expertise and ability to teach in one or more of the following areas: law and courts; security studies; intelligence analysis; corrections.
Teaching, mentoring, and service experience at university level.
Experience with online course delivery and instruction using Canvas or similar learning management systems (LMS).
Professional experience in criminal justice, security, law, or related field.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, staff, and faculty from all backgrounds, programs, and colleges.
Minimum Qualifications: Assistant Teaching Professor of Criminal Justice
Earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice or Criminology (or a closely related field) from an accredited university. ABDs will be considered, but it is expected that the Ph.D. will be earned by the date of appointment. A J.D. degree alone (without also having an earned Ph.D.) does not meet minimum qualifications for the Assistant Teaching Professor position.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Assistant Teaching Professor of Criminal Justice
Ability to teach effectively (both online and in traditional settings) at the university level in undergraduate and graduate criminal justice degree programs.
Ability to articulate concepts and instructions effectively to students.
Ability to effectively engage in scholarly and service activities in the discipline.
Ability to effectively advise and mentor college students at the university level.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Specialized knowledge in the field of criminal justice as demonstrated through graduate level coursework, research, and/or professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Assistant Teaching Professor of Criminal Justice
Ability to effectively teach a wide range of criminal justice courses.
Expertise and ability to teach in one or more of the following areas: law and courts; security studies; intelligence analysis; corrections.
Teaching, mentoring, and service experience at university level.
Experience with online course delivery and instruction using Canvas or similar learning management systems (LMS).
Professional experience in criminal justice, security, law, or related field.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, staff, and faculty from all backgrounds, programs, and colleges.
