Public Safety Leadership & Organizational Management, Department of Applied Sciences and Professional Studies - Adjunct Faculty

Adjunct Faculty – Public Safety Leadership & Organizational Management

Department of Applied Sciences and Professional Studies | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) 

This position is specifically to teach remotely for stateside applicants. Local applicants only; UMGC does not sponsor logistical support for this role. 

Public Safety Organizational Management (MSPS 600):

This course provides a comprehensive examination of organizational management principles and practices within public safety agencies.  Students will expand their knowledge and skillset to effectively lead and manage public safety organizations including law enforcement, corrections, emergency management, fire service, and school safety and security organizations.  Topics include leadership theories, employee relations, job design, personnel administration, managing organizational change and resource allocation.

Decision-Making for Public Safety Leaders (MSPS 610):

Decision-making for Public Safety Leaders is designed to enhance the critical thinking and decision-making skills of public safety leaders, focusing on the unique challenges faced in law enforcement, corrections, emergency management, fire service, and school safety and security and related fields.  Students will learn to apply analytical frameworks to make evidence-based decisions in low and high-pressure situations.  Topics include evidence-based decision making and risk analysis, decision making for critical incidents, public safety interoperability decision round table, and balancing government/organization/public interest.

Communications for Public Safety Leaders (MSPS 620):

Communications for Public Safety Leaders provides students with advanced communication skills essential for effective leadership in emergency services, law enforcement, and crisis management.  This course explores strategies in communication operations, interagency collaboration, and public engagement.  Topics include media/social media relations, managing the organizational image, internal transparency, and multi-agency communication.

Strategic Planning and Innovation (MSPS 630):

Strategic Planning and Innovation explores the methodologies and tools necessary to develop effective, calculated plans that promote innovation and drive organizational growth.  Students will learn to navigate the complexities of strategic planning in public safety to continue the mission for today, and advancement for future operational growth.  Topics include strategic/tactical/operational planning, contingency planning, succession planning, project management and planning for policy.

Public Safety Organizational Management (MSPS 695):

The Public Safety Leadership Capstone applies key concepts learned throughout the Master of Science: Public Safety Leadership program.  Students will integrate theoretical frameworks, practical applications, and personal reflection of ethical leadership skills and challenges in the public safety field.  Topics include executive leadership, solving ethical dilemmas, leadership principles, ethics in public safety, and challenges of the 21st century public safety executive.

At UMGC, we don’t just teach; we empower. Founded in 1947, UMGC is an open-access, minority-serving institution serving over 90,000 nontraditional learners worldwide, including a proud, large military-affiliated population. Our students are mature, highly dedicated, and balancing careers, families, and service. As an Adjunct Faculty member, you are the essential partner helping them bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world career success. 

Why Teach with UMGC? 

• Focus on Students, Not Course Design: All courses follow a standardized, pre-designed, unified course model. Standardized rubrics, OER materials, library resources, and digital textbooks are fully provided at no cost to you. You get to focus 100% of your energy on mentoring, facilitating, and providing high-quality feedback—no unpaid course-building required. 

• True Asynchronous Flexibility: Teach with flexibility, on your own schedule. As long as you meet weekly grading, responsiveness, and engagement milestones, your daily hours are entirely up to you. 

• Ongoing Growth: We invest in you. All newly hired faculty receive comprehensive online orientation, alongside ongoing, cost-free professional development opportunities. 

The Rhythm of Your Week (Key Responsibilities) 

Adjunct faculty bring our pre-built curriculum to life through real-world expertise and active mentorship. 

Classroom Engagement & Presence 

• Be Visible: Maintain an active classroom presence at least 5 days per week, introducing yourself with a welcome announcement and driving discussions. 

• Bridge Theory & Practice: Enrich the pre-built curriculum with your own professional expertise and real-world examples. 

• Build Belonging: Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive environment where adult learners feel supported and motivated. 

Responsiveness & Feedback 

• Stay consistently engaged with learners throughout the course by responding to inquiries, returning feedback, and posting final grades within the expected timeframe. 

Proactive Support & Collaboration 

• Monitor Progress: Use available data tools to track student engagement and conduct proactive outreach to at-risk students. 

• Team Up: Partner with success coaches, academic staff, and portfolio directors to refer struggling students to UMGC support resources. 

• Stay Connected: Participate in UMGC's vibrant faculty community, including the Program Hub and ongoing training. 

Course Structure & Time Commitment 

• Format: 100% Online & Asynchronous 

• Term Length: 8-week sessions (3-credit courses) 

• Class Size: Typically, 25–35 students (smaller sections for select courses) 

• Time Commitment: The adjunct faculty role requires a substantial commitment throughout the term focusing not only on academic success but also the social, personal, and professional growth of students 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education: Master’s in Criminal Justice, Public Safety, or related field from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Experience: Professional experience in Public Safety and/or Criminal Justice
• Legal Status: Applicants must have and be able to maintain their own legal status in the country in which they apply to teach. 

• The Mindset: A 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 of higher learning.
• Experience as a public safety administrator (Law Enforcement, Corrections, Fire, EMS, Emergency Management, School Safety, and Security).

• Experience teaching adult learners in an online, asynchronous environment. 

• Prior postsecondary teaching experience. 

• Active engagement in your discipline's professional community. 

Materials needed for submission 

• Resume/ Curriculum Vitae 
• Cover letter highly preferred 
• Unofficial Transcripts 
• If selected, candidates with international degrees may be required to submit a translation/degree evaluation from a NACES approved vendor

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC’s Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at [email protected]. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date. NOTE:  Adjuncts are not eligible for the State of Maryland subsidized rates.  Adjuncts would be responsible for the total cost if enrolled.
• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.

For additional information please see: SS Adjunct Faculty_2020.pdf (umgc.edu)

Hiring Range by Rank and Degree:

Instructor: No Terminal Degree: Step 1 $806 - Step 11 $1,050 per credit hour

Assistant Adjunct Professor: No Terminal Degree Step 1 $877 - Step 11 $1,127 per credit hour

Assistant Adjunct Professor: Terminal Degree Step 1 $1,023 - Step 11 $1,288 per credit hour

Associate Adjunct Professor: No Terminal Degree Step 1 $947 - Step 11 $1,205 per credit hour

Associate Adjunct Professor: Terminal Degree Step 1 $1,202 - Step 11 $1,483 per credit hour

Adjunct Professor: No Terminal Degree Step 1 $1,023 - Step 11 $1,288 per credit hour

Adjunct Professor: Terminal Degree Step 1 $1,347 - Step 11 $1,645 per credit hour