Visiting Faculty in Sociology and Criminal Justice

Purdue University Northwest’s Department of Behavioral Sciences invites applications for a full-time, one-year visiting lecturer or professor (non-tenure-track) to teach courses in the Sociology and Criminal Justice programs. The position begins in August 2023 and ends in May 2024. Rank is dependent upon experience and qualifications.  Candidates must be able to perform high quality teaching and demonstrate a commitment to social science learning that includes written and verbal communication, critical thinking, theory, and research.

At minimum, candidates must have a Master’s degree with completion of at least 18 graduate credit hours in sociology (a PhD or ABD in sociology or a closely related discipline is a plus).

Candidates must be able to teach foundational courses such as Introductory Sociology, Social Problems, Research Methods, and Racial and Ethnic Diversity.

Candidates must be able to teach sociology courses offered in the criminal justice major such as Criminology, Juvenile Delinquency, Inequality and Crime, and Violence.

College teaching experience is a plus.

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago and the Indiana Dunes National Park, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity. PNW serves approximately 8,800 students, with more than 70 areas of study at the baccalaureate, master’s and applied doctoral levels.

The university is consistently ranked among the best regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges report. Our nursing, engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity programs are among those earning national recognitions by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university employs approximately 1,100 faculty and staff.

The College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences serves over 1,400 undergraduate students and 170 graduate students across a wide range of programs. Departments and Schools within the college include Behavioral Sciences; Communication and Creative Arts; English and World Languages; History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics; Psychology; School of Education and Counseling.

The College houses two community mental health centers - the Community Counseling Center and the Couple & Family Therapy Center - that provide quality affordable mental health services and the Institute for Social and Policy Research, which uses social science and policy analysis methods to find solutions to educational, social, and health-related challenges facing the citizens of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago metropolitan region. The college is also home to the Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory Coalition to support those who have been wrongfully convicted in the state of Indiana.

Behavioral Sciences is a vibrant department with several programs and opportunities for collaboration. In addition to Social Work, we offer undergraduate majors in Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, Human Development and Family Studies, and Sociology and a graduate program in Couple and Family Therapy. The department also houses the Couple and Family Therapy Center, which is located in the PNW Indianapolis Boulevard Counseling Center. Our students are primarily first-generation college students. In support of the University’s Strategic Plan, the Department is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse faculty and staff who foster diverse learning environments for students.

To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, evidence of teaching effectiveness or a teaching philosophy, and contact information for three references.  Screening of applications will begin immediately. Applications must be received by April 30, 2023 to receive full consideration. All inquiries and applications will remain confidential; references will not be contacted without notice. For questions about this position, please contact Lee Michael Johnson, Department Chair, at [email protected].

A background check will be required for employment in this position.

Purdue University Northwest is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.