The Criminal Justice Department at Alvernia University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position beginning either Spring 2027 or Fall 2027, as negotiated. The position is housed within the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences.
Criminal Justice is one of the university’s longest-standing programs and is supported by strong complementary disciplines, including social work, addictions and mental health treatment, psychology, forensic science, political science, and cybersecurity. The department benefits from robust partnerships with local agencies and a dedicated crime investigation house that supports interprofessional, hands-on simulations.
Alvernia prepares both residential undergraduate students and adult learners for a wide range of careers through a strong foundation in theory paired with experiential learning opportunities that develop practical and professional skills.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a record of scholarly engagement appropriate to experience. This position is primarily focused on in-person instruction within the university’s traditional undergraduate program, with an emphasis on active student engagement and presence on campus.
Preferred Qualifications and Areas of Interest
The College particularly welcomes candidates with:
- Ability to teach courses such as writing for criminal justice professionals, research methods, corrections, probation and parole, and law enforcement-related courses
- A commitment to developing student-centered programming and experiential learning opportunities
- Interest in fostering partnerships with community agencies and organizations
- A demonstrated commitment to mission, diversity, equity, and inclusion
Responsibilities
The standard teaching load is 4/4. The successful candidate will:
- 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, as a part of the contractual load
- Actively contribute to the life of the department through student advising, mentorship, and engagement in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, including career exploration events and partnerships with local agencies
- 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
Eligibility
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.
Alvernia University is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are expected to promote Franciscan ideals and advance the University’s mission through a commitment to service, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, innovation, and mutual accountability. All members of the community share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Applications received by October 20, 2026, will receive full consideration. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Employee Benefits:
Join a team that values your well-being! We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family:
- Robust Health Coverage: Choose from three offered medical plans, plus dental and vision.
- Financial Security: Enjoy University-paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability, with options for short-term disability and supplemental coverage for you and your family (including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans). Flexible spending accounts are also available.
- Exceptional Retirement: Start saving immediately with our 403(b) Retirement Plan. You'll get 100% immediate vesting, a University gift contribution, and a generous match up to 5% of your deferrals.
- Time Off: Take advantage of 20 paid holidays each year, including 5 floating holidays.
- Invest in Your Future: Enjoy tuition remission benefits for yourself and your dependents.
- On-Campus Wellness: Benefit-eligible employees on our main campus receive free access to our Medical & Counseling Center.
- Employee Meal Plan: This plan provides convenient, flexible dining options on campus at a reduced cost.
Skills Required
- Doctorate in Early Childhood Education
- Expertise in online course development and delivery at the college level
- Thorough knowledge of Pennsylvania Department of Education standards, frameworks, and early childhood certification requirements
- College-level teaching experience in early childhood education or a related discipline
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
- Doctorate EdD or PhD in Early Childhood Education or a related field
- Experience with learning management systems such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Brightspace
- Background in accreditation, assessment, or program coordination
- Active engagement in professional organizations related to early childhood education
- Experience working with diverse learners and promoting inclusive teaching practices
What We Do
As one of only 24 Franciscan institutions in the United States, we believe in developing ethical leaders with moral courage and a commitment to service. Our values-based learning philosophy and emphasis on experiential learning opens doors to careers with a variety of companies throughout the region and nation. Alvernia combines the personal touch and attention of a small private college with the outstanding academics of a university. Our students benefit from a liberal arts foundation that helps them develop their own passions and goals. They also receive first-rate professional preparation to provide them with the skills and knowledge needed for career success. Taught by faculty who are experts in their fields, our students appreciate the small class sizes and breadth of our academic programs. Our School of Graduate and Adult Education offers several graduate programs and dozens of degree-completion programs across nearly every field to prepare students for the life and career they want to pursue.
