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Title Information

Faculty TitleAssistant Professor

Job Class Code10031

FLSAExempt

Position Information

Posting NumberFRGV1875

Working TitleAssistant Professor of Criminal Justice/College of Liberal Arts

Number of VacanciesVaries

LocationRio Grande Valley, Texas

Division/OrganizationProvost - Academic Affairs

Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position

Tenure StatusTenure Track

FTE1.0

Scope of Job

The Department of Criminal Justice at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ( UTRGV ) invites applications for Assistant Professor positions starting Fall 2026. We are seeking applicants dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service who are eager to contribute to UTRGV’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution ( HSI ) with a growing student body.

Faculty in these roles will teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Their main teaching responsibilities may include core courses such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Criminal Law, Statistics, and Research Methods, as well as advanced electives in their area of expertise (e.g., policing, corrections, juvenile justice, courts, victimology, criminal justice administration, and comparative criminal justice). Faculty are also expected to develop and teach new courses that expand and strengthen the department’s curriculum, including graduate-level courses for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program.

In addition to teaching, faculty are expected to maintain an active research agenda that results in peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and the pursuit of external funding. Faculty should involve students in research and foster a learning environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and professional growth. Service to the department, college, university, profession, and community is also a vital part of the role.

What We Are Looking For

The department seeks dynamic teacher-scholars with evidence of, or strong potential for:

+ Excellence in Teaching:Demonstrated experience or interest in evidence-based teaching strategies, culturally responsive pedagogy, and mentoring first-generation and underrepresented students.

+ Active Research Agenda:A defined plan for scholarly work that tackles urgent issues in criminal justice and criminology and can draw external funding while contributing to field knowledge.

+ Departmental Contributions:Willingness to participate in curriculum development, student advising, community partnerships, and departmental initiatives that promote student success and align with the university’s strategic goals.

+ Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Engagement:Ability to work across disciplines and collaborate with colleagues on research, grants, and program development.

Position Description:

The area of specialization is open; however, preference will be given to candidates whose research and teaching interests complement the department’s curriculum and address identified programmatic needs. The successful candidate will teach a combination of lower-division (e.g., Introduction to Criminal Justice) and upper-division (e.g., Criminology, Police Systems and Practices) undergraduate courses, with opportunities to teach in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program (both face-to-faceand online tracks).

Expectations:

Faculty are expected to demonstrate scholarly productivity, pursue external funding when possible, engage students in research and experiential learning, and participate in departmental, college, and university service.

About UTRGV :

UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique multicultural education dedicated to student access and success. By championing leading research, healthcare, and application of university discoveries, we support sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ( UTRGV ) is committed to building and sustaining a highly qualified and talented faculty to pursue excellence in everything that we do, including teaching, research, and service.

Drawing on our unique identity as the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in a bilingual and bicultural environment, UTRGV will promote student access and success by building from strength in education and creating a vibrant campus experience. By 2027, we will accelerate transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond by driving meaningful advancements in research and creative works, expanding access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and fostering authentic community engagement and integration.

UTRGV is a distributed campus, one university spanning four counties and multiple locations. Our purpose is to be a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Over 91% of the students enrolled at UTRGV identify as Hispanic, making UTRGV one of the top 3 universities with the highest percentage of Hispanic students. For additional information, please visit UTRGV website (https://www.utrgv.edu/index.htm) .

Department Background

The Department of Criminal Justice is part of the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ( UTRGV ) and is one of the largest departments in the college. Serving approximately 2,000 undergraduate and 150 graduate students, the department offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice ( BSCJ ) and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice ( MSCJ ) with both seated and fully online options. Our 23 full-time faculty are located across UTRGV’s Brownsville and Edinburg campuses, providing students with access to expertise and resources.

Student success is central to our mission. We are dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to become leaders in criminology, policing, corrections, and related fields. Beyond the classroom, we are committed to producing impactful research, fostering community partnerships, and supporting students’ academic and professional growth.

At its core, the Department of Criminal Justice is about engagement. Our faculty are active scholars and practitioners who work closely with students to create meaningful learning opportunities and innovative research. Though our degree programs carry traditional titles, we are redefining what a criminal justice education can be: multilingual, socially engaged, and future-focused.

Minimum Qualifications

1.) We seek a highly qualified candidate with a Ph.D. in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field. Advanced ABD candidates will be considered, but all Ph.D. requirements must be completed by August 31st, 2026. A Juris Doctorate alone does not meet the minimum qualifications. 2.) To be considered for an appointment as an assistant professor, the candidate must demonstrate potential for scholarly productivity and be able to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic department.

Discipline Specific Required Qualifications

All substantive teaching and research focal areas will be considered, with the preference for substantive focal areas that best serve departmental needs.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates who have experience teaching in both classroom and online settings, as well as a demonstrated record of scholarly activity (e.g., publications and presentations) is preferred. The ability to teach Statistics and Research Methods is strongly preferred. Candidates with prior experience in seeking or securing external research funding (commensurate with career stage) are especially encouraged to apply. While a J.D. alone is not sufficient for consideration, a Ph.D. with a J.D. is highly desirable.

License or Certification Required?No

SalaryCommensurate with Qualifications and Experience

Desired Start Date09/01/2026

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Open Date10/03/2025

Close Date12/01/2025

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed institution. As such and as assigned, the position may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Work is performed primarily in a general office environment. This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215. The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas ( TRS ), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program ( ORP ) instead of TRS , subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Complete all sections on the application. If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information including address, email and phone number. You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application. Security sensitive; All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.

Please Note

Texas law requires faculty members whose primary language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by a satisfactory paper-based test score of 500 (computer-based of 173 or internet-based of 61) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL ) or a satisfactory test score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. All positions are subject to budget approval.

Quick Linkhttps://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/48781

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Unofficial Transcripts

+ List of 3 References

+ Letter of Interest

Optional Documents

+ Resume

+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application

+ Teaching Philosophy

+ Writing / Publication Sample

+ Reference Letter 1

+ Reference Letter 2

+ Reference Letter 3

+ Multi Media

+ Certifications and Licenses

+ Training Certificates

+ Other Document

+ Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

+ Unofficial Transcripts 2

+ Unofficial Transcripts 3