Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigation department at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law/Legal Studies, beginning August 2026.

Our Criminal Justice program offers students broad exposure to law, criminology, policing, corrections, and forensic investigation, with opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and applied research.

This is a full-time, 9-month, benefit-eligible position with a salary of $60,000-$64,000 per academic year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• The successful candidate will have a demonstrated competency teaching multiple existing courses (e.g., Criminal Law, Foundations of US Courts, Courtroom Testimony and Evidence) and the capacity to develop and teach courses within their area of expertise. The typical teaching load is 4 courses per semester (4/4).

• Additional responsibilities include actively participating in research/scholarship/professional activities, providing academic and career advising/mentorship to students, and engaging in service to the department, university, profession, and public.

• Other duties may be assigned by the Department Chair.

Required Qualifications:

• JD (Juris Doctor) from an accredited law school or Ph.D. in Law, Legal Studies, Criminology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a related field. ABD (all but dissertation) candidates will be considered, with the expectation that the terminal/doctoral degree is conferred by January 1, 2027.

• Ability to teach undergraduate courses in Criminal Law, Foundations of U.S. Courts, Courtroom Testimony and Evidence, and other Criminal Justice-related courses.

• Strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education in a liberal arts environment, with a willingness to collaborate with students and faculty.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Why It's Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers baccalaureate and master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

The Department of Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigation's Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Education have 5 full-time tenure-track positions and regularly employ an additional 8 instructional academic staff. The undergraduate program offers a BA/BS in Criminal Justice and BS in Forensic Investigation. The department offers a BS and MS in Criminal Justice in an online asynchronous modality. The department's undergraduate majors combined have over 530 on-campus students and over 100 online students, making it the second largest department by undergraduate majors.

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 19, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Cover letter addressing all required qualifications. The letter should explicitly state how the applicant's education, experience, and/or area(s) of expertise would contribute to and/or enhance the department's existing strengths.

• A Curriculum Vitae;

• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for three professional references;

• A statement of your teaching philosophy.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Will LeSuer, lesuerw@uwplatt.edu, 608-342-1033

Legal Notices and Important Information:

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University ensures physical accessibility to work environments for persons with disabilities and will provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices.

The University is committed to a program of affirmative action for women, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. While the Chancellor assumes overall responsibility for the success of the program, university administrators and supervisors are responsible and accountable for implementation. Authority for monitoring the program is delegated to Human Resources.

Each individual associated with the University is called upon to pledge a new and revitalized commitment to build and maintain a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination, an environment that fosters mutual respect, recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, and promotes to the fullest, equal employment opportunity through affirmative action.

In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report is available for review. Call the UW-Platteville Campus Police Office at 608.342.1584 for a paper copy of the annual report.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. *. 19.36(7).

EEO Statement:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.