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[quote=Anonymous]PP is generally right, although I think they are overestimating your ability to get hired as an adjunct with only a bachelor's degree. Most CCs are looking for master's plus even for adjuncting, although you could get lucky if you have an interesting specialization or have a track record of college teaching.

One thing I would advise is that you have to change your mindset if you think being an adjunct instructor at a CC is a "job" with any sort of stability. Think of it like being an IC instead.

Every semester, you need to hustle to get on someone's radar so that when there is a class available, they think of you. There is no guarantee your class will run and you can have your semester all planned out, only to hear your class is under enrolled and won't run. Some institutions wait to hire to avoid canceling and you won't hear you have a class until a few days before the semester begins. That said, if you land a class and do a great job and have stellar course evaluations, you can be invited back regularly and it almost looks like a steady job, without benefits, of course.

The secret to adjuncting is to have a high tolerance for uncertainty. If you know that you want to piece together enough appointments to almost have a job (again, with no benefits), you need to apply to several places and be prepared to work at several places to make a living wage (generally 3-4 courses per term). That can be tough.

This is all the bad news.

The good news is, if you don't need the benefits and you have that high tolerance for uncertainty, adjuncting is great fun. It allows you to innovate in your teaching, allows you experiences in a wide variety of settings, and keeps you fresh in your field.

Now, if you aren't talking about adjuncting and are looking for a permanent lecturer or AP position, then you absolutely need to get your master's, at least. For an AP or up, you'll need the terminal degree in your field.

Hope this helps. Good luck.[/quote]

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