Career Center

Western Kentucky University's (WKU) Department of Sociology & Criminology invites applications for an Assistant Professor position. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track eligible position to begin August 15, 2023. Review of applications will begin on Feb 10, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Sociology, Criminology, or Criminal Justice completed by the time of appointment. The primary expectation for the position is the delivery of high-quality instruction of elective and core requirements supporting the undergraduate program in Criminology. Primary area of specialization is either "Courts & Sentencing" or "Corrections" with the ability to offer additional required courses such as intro, research methods, data analysis/literacy, and theory (in this case Criminology). Familiarity and experience, teaching virtual courses is desirable and a willingness to teach online courses is required. Demonstrated excellence in teaching and an ongoing record of scholarly research are essential, and involvement in service activities is an expectation of the position once selected.

The Department of Sociology & Criminology offers bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Criminology, and partners with the Department of Political Science to offer a certificate in Citizenship & Social Justice. The department currently has over 450 undergraduate majors matriculating through its programs. Specifically, 41% of students pursuing our majors are first-generation college students and 28% are underrepresented minorities with 15% who are both. Our faculty are dedicated to improving the quality of life for students of multicultural backgrounds and, through a welcoming and supportive environment, helping them excel academically and socially. For more information on our department and our programs, please visit our website at www.wku.edu/sociology-criminology.

• Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Sociology, Criminology, or Criminal Justice completed by the time of appointment. 

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO). To request an accommodation, report/express a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Mr. Joshua Hayes, EEO Director/Title IX Investigator/University ADA Coordinator, via email at joshua.hayes@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-5121.

The University is also required to investigate complaints of sex and gender-based harassment, also a form of discrimination, and has designated the Title IX Coordinator as the individual responsible for coordinating the investigation and response to such complaints. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Ms. Ena Demir, who can be contacted via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

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About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.

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