Job satisfaction among educators is a central concern in higher education as it directly affects teaching quality, faculty retention, and student outcomes. This study examined the relationship between work environment and job satisfaction of criminology educators employed in private colleges within Bukidnon, Philippines. Using a concurrent mixed methods design, the research combined quantitative surveys with qualitative narratives to provide a holistic understanding of educators’ experiences. A total of 108 criminology educators participated, representing varied demographic characteristics such as age, civil status, years of teaching experience, and highest educational attainment. The study assessed multiple aspects of the work environment including recognition, supervision, promotion opportunities, professional advancement, salary, workload, collegial relationships, and institutional core values. Results indicated that educators expressed moderate satisfaction with their work environment, though persistent challenges were identified in areas such as compensation, workload, administrative support, and physical resources. Despite these concerns, respondents highlighted professional pride, meaningfulness of work, and collegial support as key motivators sustaining their commitment to teaching. Statistical analysis confirmed significant correlations between work environment factors and overall job satisfaction. Qualitative findings further emphasized the role of recognition, career pathways, and supportive supervision in shaping faculty morale. The study concludes that a balanced approach addressing both extrinsic and intrinsic factors is essential to strengthen faculty well-being and retention. These findings provide valuable insights for administrators and policymakers to design institutional strategies that enhance both the professional growth of criminology educators and the quality of criminology programs.