Criminal Justice Studies Faculty

Thiel College invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Criminal Justice Studies, open rank, beginning August 2027. The appointment may be tenure-track or non-tenure-track, depending on the successful candidate's credentials and experience. The position is in the Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice Studies.

We are looking for a colleague whose work centers on applied criminal justice: how police agencies, courts, correctional facilities, probation and parole offices, and victim service organizations do their work and serve the public. We welcome scholars who study the criminal justice professions and experienced practitioners who want to prepare the next generation of professionals. Areas of specialization can include law enforcement, courts and the legal process, corrections, probation and parole, reentry, juvenile justice, victim services, criminal justice administration and ethics, and the use of data and research methods in agency settings. Other specializations in professional practice in criminal justice will also be considered.

The successful candidate will teach courses such as Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies, Law Enforcement in America, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, and Victimology, and will have the opportunity to develop new courses in areas such as community supervision, ethics in criminal justice, and research methods for practitioners. The new colleague will direct internships and co-ops, develop new placement opportunities, and build partnerships with law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional and community supervision programs, victim service organizations, and other regional employers and educational institutions. Partner agencies will help shape the curriculum and will provide internship placements where students practice what they learn. Working with Thiel's Career Development Center and regional partners such as Penn-Northwest Development Corporation, Mercer County's economic development agency, the new colleague will build clear career pathways for Thiel students, from first-year coursework through internship, graduate study, and employment. This work advances Thiel's mission to serve as an asset for the region's social, economic, and educational development.

Other duties include academic advising and service to the department and the College. Faculty at Thiel are part of the life of a small residential campus. While Thiel College gives highest priority to teaching effectiveness, faculty are expected to remain current in the field through attendance at related conferences, research, or other scholarly activities. A comprehensive employee benefit package, including support for professional development, is provided.

About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent liberal arts college rooted in the Lutheran tradition. Thiel College empowers individuals to reach their full potential by creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment that ensures educational excellence, stimulates global awareness, and promotes ethical leadership. In doing so, Thiel prepares students for careers and lives of meaning and purpose.

About the Area

Greenville is in northwestern Pennsylvania, a 90-minute drive from both Pittsburgh and Cleveland and a 40-minute drive from Youngstown, Ohio. Greenville and the surrounding areas have scenic parks, trails, and waterways for relaxing, hiking, camping, and boating. The area has a low cost of living, making it a desirable location for young professionals and growing families.

Qualifications: All candidates must show excellence or strong promise in undergraduate teaching. Experience building partnerships with agencies or community organizations, or supervising student interns or new professionals, is strongly preferred.

Applicants must hold one of the following:

• a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology, or a related field, with teaching or scholarship in applied criminal justice or the criminal justice professions (ABD considered); or
• a master's degree or J.D. in a relevant field and at least seven years of progressive professional experience in a criminal justice agency or related setting.

To Apply:

Thiel College welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Please note, however, that we are unable to provide employment visa sponsorship (e.g., H-1B) for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Applicants should submit a single PDF document using candidate’s name as the document title) by clicking here.

·         a letter of interest on teaching, experience in professional practice, and approach to building internships and partnerships

·         a curriculum vitae

·         and list of three references

Additional materials, including transcripts, sample syllabi, and summaries of recent teaching evaluations may be requested. They should be sent in PDF format to employment@thiel.edu.

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

Thiel College is committed to attracting culturally and professionally diverse faculty and staff who engage our students by providing a rich and fulfilling curricular and co-curricular experience.