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How do you become a community college professor?
I've heard that becoming a community college professor is a different process than being a professor at a university, especially a research university. What are things I should do now as an undergrad student to prepare?
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Basically, what you need to keep in mind is that nearly all community college professors have a minimum of a Master's degree. This is required by nearly all community and junior colleges to apply for a teaching position.
Some colleges have a community college teaching certification program, but this is not necessarily required for an application.
Many colleges might like some work experience in the field that you want to teach in. This can help with a future application.
I actually worked in a college academic assistance center, which helped me gain valuable experience in working with student populations.
These are some areas to definitely consider in getting the credentials for teaching at a community college.
Some colleges have a community college teaching certification program, but this is not necessarily required for an application.
Many colleges might like some work experience in the field that you want to teach in. This can help with a future application.
I actually worked in a college academic assistance center, which helped me gain valuable experience in working with student populations.
These are some areas to definitely consider in getting the credentials for teaching at a community college.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Maya
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Community College Professors needs a Masters Degree in their subject. A University Professor needs a PhD in their subject. You will most likely give lectures and tests in-person and use software for assignments. A big percentage of Community College Professors work part-time. If you live in a large city you may be able to teach part-time at two different Community Colleges. If you are a part-time employee you will not get benefits such as health care, time off and retirement. I do believe that you will enjoy the job if you have a passion for your subject.
Thanks for the help.
Maya
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Maya,
Consider researching the professional histories of professors at your local community college, as their backgrounds can vary greatly.
For instance, at San Antonio Colleges, many professors are part-time and also maintain other careers within the community. You might find a Police Lieutenant teaching Criminal Justice, an Accountant instructing Accounting, or an Attorney leading Paralegal courses. Some fields, like History or English, might be more welcoming to new faces, but this is just a possibility.
While there are some Department Heads who are full-time, they typically have extensive teaching experience. The use of part-time professors is often a cost-saving measure for colleges and depends on the availability of qualified individuals willing to work part-time.
I hope you find this information useful!
Kim
Consider researching the professional histories of professors at your local community college, as their backgrounds can vary greatly.
For instance, at San Antonio Colleges, many professors are part-time and also maintain other careers within the community. You might find a Police Lieutenant teaching Criminal Justice, an Accountant instructing Accounting, or an Attorney leading Paralegal courses. Some fields, like History or English, might be more welcoming to new faces, but this is just a possibility.
While there are some Department Heads who are full-time, they typically have extensive teaching experience. The use of part-time professors is often a cost-saving measure for colleges and depends on the availability of qualified individuals willing to work part-time.
I hope you find this information useful!
Kim
Thank you for the advice, Kim.
Maya
Updated
deborah’s Answer
Hello Maya! Great question. I am a community college instructor.
If you teach courses that transfer to university, you will need to obtain a master's degree with 18 credit hours in your teaching subject/major. This means you may need to take 1-2 additional courses while you are in graduate school. Most master degrees do not teach you how to teach. So, I recommend applying for Teaching Assistant while you are pursuing your graduate degree. You can learn some teaching strategies and methods on the job, but if you have the opportunity to seek training, or mentoring, in these areas, it will help you be more effective.
If you plan to teach non-transfer classes, you need to have experience and credentials related to what you teach. You do not necessarily need a master's degree. You would need required credentials and experience in your specialty - cosmetology, truck driving, welding, pharmacy tech...etc. So, career, technical, health, etc.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. Good luck!
If you teach courses that transfer to university, you will need to obtain a master's degree with 18 credit hours in your teaching subject/major. This means you may need to take 1-2 additional courses while you are in graduate school. Most master degrees do not teach you how to teach. So, I recommend applying for Teaching Assistant while you are pursuing your graduate degree. You can learn some teaching strategies and methods on the job, but if you have the opportunity to seek training, or mentoring, in these areas, it will help you be more effective.
If you plan to teach non-transfer classes, you need to have experience and credentials related to what you teach. You do not necessarily need a master's degree. You would need required credentials and experience in your specialty - cosmetology, truck driving, welding, pharmacy tech...etc. So, career, technical, health, etc.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. Good luck!
Thank you, deborah!
Maya
Updated
Vas’s Answer
Community colleges usually require around 18 graduate credits for the subject you want to teach - this is typically the basic requirement. Other requirements are 3 letters of recomendations. Teaching experience is often good to have as weel.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Maya
Updated
Aleah’s Answer
Maya,
I would recommend attending the college you would like to teach at as they often give alumni the first chance at open positions. From my understanding, you only need a bachelor’s degree to be an instructor at a community college but you will need a master’s or doctorate to be a professor or teach at a four-year university. Best of luck to you!
Attend the college you wish to teach at.
Obtain a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the field related to what you desire to teach.
Volunteer for your college or get a student job there while in school.
Apply for open positions as you near graduation!
I would recommend attending the college you would like to teach at as they often give alumni the first chance at open positions. From my understanding, you only need a bachelor’s degree to be an instructor at a community college but you will need a master’s or doctorate to be a professor or teach at a four-year university. Best of luck to you!
Aleah recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Aleah
Maya