Assistant Professor Criminology or Criminal Justice - College of Education and Community Innovation
Content + Source + Freshness • 14 Feb 2026 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Moderate value attributed to stable employment environment, solid salary range, and a commitment to diversity, though career advancement may depend on personal initiative.
- Starting salary: $64,000+ with comprehensive benefits.
- Stable, long-term tenure-track position.
- Involvement in community engagement and research opportunities.
- Expectations for Ph.D. completion for ABD applicants.
Pros
- Tenure-track position with long-term security.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunities for teaching and community engagement.
Cons
- Requirement for a Ph.D. or ABD limiting candidate pool.
- Candidates may face competitive landscape depending on specialization.
- Expectations for research output can be demanding.
Who it's for
Early to Mid-Career • On-campus
Good fit
- Ph.D. holders looking for tenure-track roles.
- Educators focused on criminal justice.
- Professionals passionate about community involvement.
Not recommended for
- Candidates without relevant doctoral qualifications.
- Individuals preferring distance learning or remote positions.
- Those uninterested in research responsibilities.
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies (CCJLS) at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level beginning August 2025.
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies (CCJLS) at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level beginning August 2025.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Applicants must have earned either a Ph.D. or other equivalent academic doctoral degree, with an emphasis in criminal justice, criminology, or another related field. ABDs may apply, but appointment will be at the instructor rank until the Ph.D. is completed. A Juris Doctorate degree alone does not serve as qualification for this position. All areas of specialization will be considered; preference may be given to specialties that complement or enhance department strengths including juvenile justice. Related criminal justice agency experience, grant writing and community engagement with diverse communities/populations will be considered.
Primary Duties:
- Successful candidates will be expected to teach a variety of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including but not limited to core criminal justice courses in juvenile justice, policing, courts, corrections, or research methods. All faculty members at Grand Valley State University are evaluated for promotion and tenure in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and university and community service.
Minimum Starting Salary: $64,000; commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
Application Deadline: Review of completed applications will begin immediately and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
How To Apply: Please include (1) detailed letter of interest, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) graduate transcripts, and (4) three letters of reference.
Three letters of reference are also required and hard copies must be mailed to the Search Committee Chair (Christopher Kierkus), GVSU School of Criminal Justice; 401 W. Fulton Street; 273C DeVos; Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6431.
In addition to the letters of reference, ABD candidates also should provide a letter from their dissertation chair describing their degree progress and an estimated date of completion.
If you need assistance or have questions about the online application process, call the Human Resources Office at (616) 331-2215. Please direct all inquiries about the position to (Christopher Kierkus, kierkusc@gvsu.edu).
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies is a leader in criminal justice and legal studies education and training in Michigan. We provide a unique blend of liberal education and professional development, combining rigorous classroom engagement with experiential learning and community involvement. The faculty is characterized by innovation in teaching, excellence in scholarship and service, and a commitment to a learning environment designed to enhance both student and faculty success. The school is located at the Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids, near the county justice center, police headquarters, and a thriving business district. Grand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan, is the business, legal, and cultural center for Western Michigan and is located just three hours
from Chicago and Detroit and only thirty minutes from Lake Michigan. For more information visit the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies website (http://www.gvsu.edu/cj/).
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
