Is it common for someone with a PhD get hired at a community college? The reason I ask is I'm interested in pursuing a PhD, but I'm not interested in the pressures of finding a good tenure position at a university, and all the hard work that is accompanied with being a full-time professor. I don't really care about money either. I've heard there are a lot more opportunities in the community-college level. Any suggestions or comments?
2007-01-29 14:00:09 · 8 answers · asked by Billy 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Because everyone and their brother has a Master's degree these days, community colleges have become more selective in hiring, and more and more often seek candidates with doctoral degrees.
However -- when interviewing for a community college position, a candidate must be clear about his/her wish to emphasize teaching rather than research, and about his/her desire to continue to develop teaching skills and strategies.
There have been a couple of people who have come through my graduate program recently who had community-college level teaching goals. I'm happy to report that they've achieved those goals.
The good news about money is that community college professors' salaries are only about 10K under their counterparts at 4 year colleges and universities. (Few professors, no matter where we teach, make the big bucks, but all of us are able to live.)
Folks with PhDs who wish to teach at community colleges also have a bit more latitude in terms of choosing where they wish to live. We university professors are at the mercy of job openings in our field, which are often few and far between.
One more note: When you are in a doctoral program, your university might offer a "Future Professoriate" program, or some similar program, which provides an opportunity for doctoral students to hone their teaching skills. Seek out such a program. It will be a boon to your CV when seeking a community college position.
I wish you every success.
2007-01-29 14:34:15 · answer #1 · answered by X 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At my community college faculty are split about 50% - 50% masters degrees and PhD. You can still get a tenured position at a community college, or there are a variety of other contracts (4 month, 8 month, 10 month and 12 month).
Visit some community college sites and check their job openings.
2007-01-29 14:16:19 · answer #2 · answered by TLC 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know how common it is, but I know that at the community college that I go to, we have at least one Professor there that teaches Anatomy and Physiology (that i know of). Also, the lady that is over the Nursing Program has a Doctorate Degree. So I wouldnt think that it's too abnormal. Go for it and good luck!
2007-01-29 14:21:03 · answer #3 · answered by fairyprincessjz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most teachers at community colleges actually have masters degrees. Teaching at community colleges is in that respect actually more similar to teaching at high schools. You can get a PhD if you want; I know that the local community college in my area will pay you more money if you have a PhD.
2007-01-29 14:05:18 · answer #4 · answered by rozinante 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depending upon your subject area, you should be able to contact community colleges and find work. Most don't seem to want to hire full-time professors - just adjunct. It may be a while before you can find a full-time spot.
2007-01-29 14:06:28 · answer #5 · answered by fdm215 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with society has Stupid as it is, its harder to land a Job at a Community College, Are standards are too high and Schooling is too long, I'll try a Less Stressful Profession like Massage Therapist Dentist Assistants, and Computer Programmer, and you can get Financial Aid.
2007-01-29 14:10:33 · answer #6 · answered by tfoley5000 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In my college (which is a junior college), you only need a Masters degree. Good luck!
2007-01-29 14:03:32 · answer #7 · answered by Suzy Suzee Sue 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
get a job in the book store no pressure there
2007-01-29 14:05:19 · answer #8 · answered by bill n 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋