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. 

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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

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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 competitive retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches, discussion groups and a robust wellness program.

Salary: 

PLNU pays its faculty using a payscale based on experience and academic rank.  Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $78,494 to $137,747. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.

 

Selection Process: 

Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:

• Stage 1: An in-depth Zoom Interview with members of the search committee

• Stage 2: An on-campus interview, which may include: 

  • Dialogue with students and faculty in the Department of Sociology

  • A teaching demonstration presented to faculty and students in the Department of Sociology

  • A luncheon with faculty from outside the department

  • Dinner with faculty

  • An interview with the Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences

  • An interview with the Provost

  • An interview with the President of the University

Special Instructions: 

The application should be submitted using the university recruitment website. Please contact the search committee chair (jgates@pointloma.edu) for questions or clarification. When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions as part of the online application. 

Upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Personal Faith

• Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education (note: this should be one page or less)

• Description of planned future research/scholarship

• Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed

• Optional: 3 teaching evaluations

• Note: 3 Letters of reference will only be requested for candidates who advance to the final stage of the search process

If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu or the Search Committee chair at jgates@pointloma.edu.

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.