Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Justice; COURTS

Position Overview

The Division of Politics, Administration and Justice at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) invites applications for a full‑time, tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Criminal Justice (COURTS), with an appointment to begin Fall 2027.

This position is open and available to all candidates regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, or veteran status. CSUF complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, Proposition 209, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy, among other applicable state and federal laws.

• Teach a core course on criminal courts and a breadth requirement for criminal justice students.
• Develop and teach new court‑related or specialized courses such as appellate advocacy, procedural justice, judicial decision‑making, jurors and juries, or international courts.
• Engage in high‑impact student practices (e.g., Moot Court, Mock Trial, or service‑learning courses).
• Contribute to the scholarly mission of the department through research, publications, and creative work.
• Provide academic advising, mentorship, and service at the department, college, university, and community levels.

• Ph.D. in legal studies, law and society, sociology, psychology, or a related field at the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching a diverse undergraduate population, including first‑generation and historically minoritized students.
• Potential or demonstrated ability to teach criminal courts.
• Potential or demonstrated ability to contribute to curricular growth and development of the criminal justice major.
• Potential or demonstrated ability to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Strong record of, or potential to produce, scholarly publications.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to balance excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

• Potential or demonstrated ability to lead existing or develop new high‑impact student practices.

• Cover letter addressing the required qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Research statement.
• Teaching statement.
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for initial review).
• Candidate statement on commitment to inclusive excellence (maximum 500 words). The statement should describe:
  • your perspective on inclusive excellence and concrete examples of how you will support a diverse student body.
  • your experience integrating inclusive perspectives into teaching, scholarship, and service.
  • your commitment to mentoring diverse students inside and outside the classroom.
• A list of three references with contact information.

• Semifinalists must provide three letters of recommendation; finalists may be requested for additional materials such as scholarly articles or portfolio.

All application materials must be received by September 10, 2026. The anticipated appointment date is August 2027.

• Assistant Professor (Academic Year) salary range: $6,221–$13,224 monthly; anticipated hiring range: $6,990–$7,130 monthly.
• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Possible summer research grants, moving expenses, startup funds, and reduced teaching load.
• Health, vision, dental plans; spouse/domestic partner/ dependent fee‑waiver; campus child care; defined‑benefit retirement through the state system; optional tax‑sheltering opportunities.

• Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment.
• CSUF is not currently sponsoring new H‑1B petitions for faculty positions.
• Applicant appointments require satisfactory background checks, including criminal records.
• Reasonable accommodations available for qualified applicants with disabilities.

Applications should be submitted online through the CSUF workforce portal (search for position 559725). For questions, contact Dr. Amy Cass at acass or call 657‑278‑3437.

The Department of Criminal Justice, within the Division of Politics, Administration & Justice, and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers interdisciplinary instruction and research opportunities that foster collaboration across political science and public administration.

Mandated reporter responsibilities and requirements for background checks apply. Applicants must disclose any sexual harassment allegations, if applicable, after meeting minimum qualifications and before receiving an offer.