Masters to teach at community college?

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SUMMARY

To teach math at a community college in the US, a master's degree in pure mathematics is generally sufficient, although some institutions may prefer candidates with a PhD. While a master's is typically required, there are instances where individuals with a bachelor's degree and extensive work experience have secured teaching positions, particularly in fields like computer science. The ease of obtaining a full-time teaching job can vary by region and institution, with some community colleges maintaining flexible hiring practices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of community college hiring standards
  • Knowledge of academic qualifications required for teaching positions
  • Familiarity with the role of work experience in academic hiring
  • Awareness of regional differences in educational requirements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research specific community colleges' hiring policies and requirements
  • Explore the benefits of obtaining a PhD in mathematics for teaching positions
  • Investigate alternative qualifications that may enhance employability, such as teaching certifications
  • Network with current community college faculty to gain insights on job acquisition
USEFUL FOR

Prospective math instructors, graduate students in mathematics, and individuals seeking teaching positions at community colleges will benefit from this discussion.

mattmns
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I would like to teach math at a community college somewhere in the US, would getting a masters in pure mathematics be sufficient to get such a job? When I say job, I mean a full-time (year-round with or without summers) position. When I say sufficient, I mean would it be easy (or maybe I should say not difficult) to find such a job. Are there things that I should do in order to better my chances of getting such a job?

Ideas? Thanks!
 
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From my experience, a masters is a requirement to teach at a community college.
 
A master's degree is a requirement, but I THINK many community colleges want you to have a PhD nowadays... so with regards to EASE of getting a job, I'm not so sure.
 
At the community colleges in my area a masters normally is the requirement to be the professor; however, my friends at the community college have stated that a couple of the professors only have bachelors degrees with a lot of work experance (but these guys are taking computer science courses).

As for the PhD requirement...yeah I haven't heard of that, in my area at least.
 
If you want to lecture, lecture. I took calculus courses from two lecturers while at cc: one had just his masters and one had her masters but also an engineering degree
 

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