Job Details
Position Information
Posting Number 20260061FAC Job Title Instructor/Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice Number of Vacancies 1 About Murray State
Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.
Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.
About Murray State Benefits
Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Type of Employment Regular Full-Time If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week Work Location Murray, KY Employment Term Academic Year Position Type Faculty (Tenure-Track) Department Criminal Justice and Social Work Anticipated Start Date August 2027 Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities
This position will have a teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester. As this is a small undergraduate program, the ability to teach a variety of courses across the criminal justice curriculum is expected. The successful applicant will also be expected to teach graduate level criminal justice courses in the online CRJ concentration of the new MSU MBA program.
Responsibilities:
Minimum Education Requirements
A Master's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or closely related field with commitment to complete a doctorate within 4 years of appointment is required. A doctorate with dissertation in Criminal Justice, Criminology or closely related social science discipline from an accredited university is strongly preferred. Please note that a Juris Doctorate alone will not be sufficient to meet the education requirement for this position.
Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements
Flexibility to utilize different teaching methods: traditional, hybrid, online, etc.
Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications
Professional experience in the field of law enforcement. A PhD in Criminal Justice and/or Criminology. Demonstrated teaching experience in higher education.
Note: If the successful candidate is master's prepared, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track, instructor. If the successful candidate holds a terminal degree appropriate for the position, the position will be filled as a tenure-track, assistant professor.
Physical Demands Work Hours Annual Salary Pay Plan Faculty II
Posting Details
Posting Date 07/15/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, the following items must be included:
For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by October 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Posting Specific Questions
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Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
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