Ratio of faculty positions to applicants

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In summary, a few years ago, there were three open faculty positions for every fresh PhD graduate in Management Information Systems (MIS). However, the ratio of graduates to positions has since decreased to 1:2, 1:1.5, and 4:1, leading to the shutting down or merging of MIS departments into other departments. Today, it is rare to find schools offering a PhD in MIS. While there may still be fields with faculty shortages, such as animal sciences, genetics, psychology, sociology, wildlife sciences, mechanical engineering, computer science, and statistics, other fields such as economics, business, and math/science education are also experiencing shortages. This is due to limitations on the number of people admitted to PhD
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A few years ago for every fresh PhD graduate in MIS, there were three open faculty positions. Then the ratio of graduates to positions dwindled to 1: 2, then to 1:1.5, later to 4:1. Finally MIS departments all over started shutting down or being merged into Management, Operations or other departments and today hardly any schools offer a PhD in MIS.

It is possible that there are still many fields where for every PhD graduate there are 2, 3 or more open faculty positions. Are there any areas with faculty shortages these days? Animal Sciences? Genetics? Psychology? Sociology? Wildlife Sciences? Mechanical Engineering? Computer Science? Statistics? Any field at all?
 
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interview2 said:
It is possible that there are still many fields where for every PhD graduate there are 2, 3 or more open faculty positions. Are there any areas with faculty shortages these days? Animal Sciences? Genetics? Psychology? Sociology? Wildlife Sciences? Mechanical Engineering? Computer Science? Statistics? Any field at all?

Economics, business, and math/science education.

The bad news is that there are faculty shortages because those fields sharply limit the number of people that get admitted to the Ph.D. programs.
 
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Why not do a Google search on "faculty shortages". Nursing topped that list:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-faculty-shortage

Having spent a lot of time in computing faculties I noted that new computer science PHDs were having trouble getting faculty positions because any faculty with any computing experience (physicists, chemical engineers, whatever...) were being " converted" into computing faculty. I guess "nursing" would be too much of a stretch for most...

Or why not move to somewhere where the education sector is growing quickly:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Change-foreign-faculty-rule-IITs/Article1-594967.aspx
 
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FAQ: Ratio of faculty positions to applicants

1. What is the ratio of faculty positions to applicants?

The ratio of faculty positions to applicants is a measure of the number of available faculty positions compared to the number of individuals applying for those positions. It is typically expressed as a decimal or percentage.

2. How is the ratio of faculty positions to applicants calculated?

The ratio of faculty positions to applicants is calculated by dividing the total number of faculty positions by the total number of applicants. For example, if there are 100 faculty positions and 500 applicants, the ratio would be 0.2 or 20%.

3. Why is the ratio of faculty positions to applicants important?

The ratio of faculty positions to applicants is important because it can provide insight into the competitiveness of a particular university or academic field. A lower ratio may indicate a higher demand for faculty positions, while a higher ratio may suggest a larger pool of qualified applicants.

4. How does the ratio of faculty positions to applicants affect hiring decisions?

The ratio of faculty positions to applicants may influence hiring decisions, as it can be used as a factor in determining the level of talent and competition for a particular position. A lower ratio may indicate a more competitive hiring process, while a higher ratio may suggest a greater opportunity for candidates to secure a position.

5. Can the ratio of faculty positions to applicants be improved?

The ratio of faculty positions to applicants can potentially be improved by increasing the number of available faculty positions or decreasing the number of applicants. This can be achieved through measures such as expanding funding for academic programs, increasing recruitment efforts, and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives to attract a wider pool of applicants.

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