Overview

UMGC is seeking Adjunct Faculty to teach graduate-level courses in the Master of Science: Public Safety Leadership program within the Department of Applied Sciences and Professional Studies. This position is 100% online and asynchronous, open to stateside applicants only. UMGC does not sponsor logistical support for this role.

Founded in 1947, UMGC is an open-access, minority-serving institution serving over 90,000 nontraditional learners worldwide, including a large military-affiliated population. Students are mature adults balancing careers, families, and service.

Courses Available to Teach

• •Public Safety Organizational Management (MSPS 600): Examination of organizational management principles within public safety agencies. Topics include leadership theories, employee relations, job design, personnel administration, managing organizational change, and resource allocation.
• •Decision-Making for Public Safety Leaders (MSPS 610): Enhancing critical thinking and decision-making skills for public safety leaders. Topics include evidence-based decision making, risk analysis, decision making for critical incidents, interoperability, and balancing government, organizational, and public interests.
• •Communications for Public Safety Leaders (MSPS 620): Advanced communication skills for leadership in emergency services, law enforcement, and crisis management. Topics include media and social media relations, managing organizational image, internal transparency, and multi-agency communication.
• •Strategic Planning and Innovation (MSPS 630): Methodologies and tools for strategic planning and organizational growth in public safety. Topics include strategic, tactical, and operational planning, contingency planning, succession planning, project management, and planning for policy.
• •Public Safety Leadership Capstone (MSPS 695): Integration of theoretical frameworks, practical applications, and ethical leadership reflection. Topics include executive leadership, solving ethical dilemmas, leadership principles, ethics in public safety, and challenges of the 21st century public safety executive.

Why Teach with UMGC

• •All courses follow a standardized, pre-designed curriculum with rubrics, OER materials, library resources, and digital textbooks provided at no cost.
• •Faculty focus entirely on mentoring, facilitating, and providing feedback; no unpaid course-building required.
• •True asynchronous flexibility: set your own daily schedule as long as weekly milestones are met.
• •Comprehensive online orientation and ongoing, cost-free professional development provided.

Key Responsibilities

• •Maintain an active classroom presence at least 5 days per week, including a welcome announcement and driving discussions.
• •Enrich pre-built curriculum with professional expertise and real-world examples.
• •Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive environment for adult learners.
• •Respond to student inquiries, return feedback, and post final grades within expected timeframes.
• •Monitor student engagement using available data tools and conduct proactive outreach to at-risk students.
• •Partner with success coaches, academic staff, and portfolio directors to refer struggling students to support resources.
• •Participate in UMGC faculty community, including the Program Hub and ongoing training.

Course Structure

• •Format: 100% Online and Asynchronous
• •Term Length: 8-week sessions (3-credit courses)
• •Class Size: Typically 25 to 35 students

Minimum Qualifications

• •Master's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• •Professional experience in Public Safety and/or Criminal Justice.
• •Must have and be able to maintain legal status in the country in which you apply to teach.
• •Deeply student-centered approach rooted in empathy, flexibility, professional integrity, and cultural responsiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• •Terminal degree in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• •Experience as a public safety administrator in law enforcement, corrections, fire, EMS, emergency management, school safety, or security.
• •Experience teaching adult learners in an online, asynchronous environment.
• •Prior postsecondary teaching experience.
• •Active engagement in the discipline's professional community.

Compensation

• •Instructor, No Terminal Degree: $806 to $1,050 per credit hour
• •Assistant Adjunct Professor, No Terminal Degree: $877 to $1,127 per credit hour
• •Assistant Adjunct Professor, Terminal Degree: $1,023 to $1,288 per credit hour
• •Associate Adjunct Professor, No Terminal Degree: $947 to $1,205 per credit hour
• •Associate Adjunct Professor, Terminal Degree: $1,202 to $1,483 per credit hour
• •Adjunct Professor, No Terminal Degree: $1,023 to $1,288 per credit hour
• •Adjunct Professor, Terminal Degree: $1,347 to $1,645 per credit hour

Application Materials

• •Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• •Cover letter (highly preferred)
• •Unofficial transcripts
• •Candidates with international degrees may be required to submit a translation or degree evaluation from a NACES-approved vendor if selected.