Tenure-Track Full-Time Faculty in Sociology

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore  encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship.  *** The School of Behavioral & Social Sciences invites applications for two tenure-track positions in Sociology to begin in August 2027. We seek candidates who teach generalist and innovative areas in Sociology. For one of the positions, we are flexible on the specialty they bring. For one of the positions, we seek a sociologist with a proven strength in Criminology and/or Criminal Justice. We often teach service-oriented students with career plans in the fields of social work, restorative justice, the criminal justice system, counseling or therapy, education, and more generally in the nonprofit sector. The department and our university encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups to apply. PLNU prides itself on being a premier teaching university where the art and science of teaching take center stage. Applicants should demonstrate a record of, or clear potential for, teaching with creative, student-centered pedagogies that incorporate deep cultural competency. We also expect research and a commitment to advancing research in the fields of sociology and/or criminology. The Sociology Program is housed in the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences with programs in child and adolescent development, criminal justice, psychology, and social work. Students are drawn to the department for its commitment to building a more just and caring society. The department and the school value cultural diversity and inclusive educational practices as essential to the excellence of our academic programs. Our faculty have a strong commitment to diversity, high-quality teaching, service, and applied scholarship. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching within a Christian liberal arts context in the Wesleyan tradition. They should also demonstrate potential for high-quality scholarship and service. In your application materials, we invite you to describe how your teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and/or community service reflect these values. Job Status: Full time *** Job Description: Responsibilities Teach twelve units of undergraduate courses per semester (equivalent to four 3-unit courses) that include courses in the candidate’s area of expertise along with General Education and service courses. Advise and mentor students towards degree completion and post-graduate career plans. Create an environment that supports students with social barriers to higher education. Use active learning strategies informed by cultural humility, inclusivity, anti-racism, equity, and faith integration. Engage in scholarly activities such as research, writing, and conference presentations to stay current with developments in social theory, innovative pedagogy, and current literature. Engage in off-campus community service and community-engaged research and scholarship when possible. Participate in departmental activities and meetings, governance, and university service such as committee work. Collaborate with school and department faculty, including adjunct faculty, to foster belonging and a supportive community. Contribute to program assessment and improvement to support recruitment, admissions, and retention efforts of students from all backgrounds. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Sociology Candidates who are ABD will be considered with the expectation that the degree will be completed by August 2027 Commitment to developing and maintaining teaching excellence Commitment to developing and maintaining scholarly research  Commitment to developing and maintaining student mentoring Evidence of a Christian commitment compatible with the Mission of Point Loma Nazarene University . Evidence of support for diverse peoples and perspectives Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant .  The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU  will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws. Preferred Qualifications A commitment to advancing research in the fields of sociology and/or criminology Evidence of teaching excellence Evidence of scholarly research productivity and a well-articulated research plan that would involve training undergraduate students in the research process Experience mentoring undergraduate students Experience in teaching research methods, quantitative and qualitative Sample Courses - General Introduction to Sociology Introduction to Criminal Justice Exploring Diversity Through Intergroup Dialogue Sociology of the Family Urban Issues Social Stratification Research Basics Urban Sociology Social Theory Research Basics Applied Research Methods and Design Sample Courses - Criminology/Criminal Justice Criminology Introduction to Criminal Justice  Juvenile Delinquency Criminal Law Constitutional Foundations Internship in Criminal Justice Benefits: We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as  health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitiv