Why are there so many adjunct professors?

The reality is that colleges and universities can use many adjuncts, pay us little and still function. That's in part because of an oversupply of people who want to teach.

Why are so many professors adjunct?

At research type universities, a shortage of available good teachers is especially common. This type of teaching is a part-time job. Filling this void with qualified adjuncts can result in much better teaching results than requiring individual professors to fill all three responsibilities.

What percentage of professors are adjunct?

Part-time nontenure-track faculty comprise 47% of the U.S. academic work force, and two-thirds of them are "adjuncts." (The rest have additional employment outside higher education or have retired from a tenured position.) Adjuncts thus make up roughly one third of all faculty.

What is the point of adjunct professor?

Adjuncts are often hired to teach a specific course that other faculty may not have expertise in or courses that are in high demand. Individuals filling these positions may find recurring opportunities to teach these classes.

Why do colleges pay adjunct professors so little?

Adjuncts are paid so little to help universities and colleges save money. Higher education institutions are businesses looking to lower overhead costs and generate revenue. Ultimately colleges save a lot of money by hiring several part-time adjunct instructors rather than full-time tenure-track faculty positions.

What's It Like Being An Adjunct Professor? The sad, secret lives of community college teachers.

Is being an adjunct professor worth it?

Lower pay: Adjunct professors often earn less money than tenured professors. These professionals usually receive an hourly wage or compensation per course, rather than earning an annual salary. Little to no employee benefits: As a contract position, adjunct professors rarely receive benefits.

What is the problem with adjunct faculty?

Adjunct faculty members continue to teach in uncertain, challenging environments, often with no compensation for service work, no guarantee of employment beyond the term, and no assurance of academic freedom.

Is it difficult to become an adjunct professor?

The primary qualifications for becoming an entry-level adjunct professor depend on the school. Some schools accept as little as a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, but most prefer a master's degree or a doctorate. Non-academic experience can help you stand out from other applicants.

Do adjunct professors get observed?

After three years of teaching the same courses, adjunct faculty may be observed as infrequently as every third year thereafter. In non-‐observation years, they should simply schedule an informal meeting with another faculty member to talk about teaching.

Are you a professor if you are adjunct?

Sometimes called contingent faculty, adjunct professors are part-time professors. They are not considered part of the permanent staff, nor are they on the path to a tenured position. As a contract employee, they are free to create a teaching schedule that works for them. Some teach only one class; others take on many.

What subjects are most in demand for adjunct professors?

Adjunct professors in academic departments related to health care, such as science, nursing, and pre-med subjects, are in very high demand. The greatest need for adjunct professors is in fields related to law, business, psychology, engineering, architecture, biology, economics, and criminal science.

Do adjunct professors need a Phd?

In most cases, adjunct professors need a master's degree, but in some cases only require a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. However, over a third have a doctoral degree.

Can adjunct professors negotiate salary?

So you've gotten an offer from an institution to become an adjunct professor: now what? For many professors, the answer is negotiating your contract. Negotiating your contract is critical for ensuring you are compensated fairly, and many professors find great success in negotiating their contracts.

Is an adjunct professor a real professor?

An adjunct instructor is a part-time faculty member who is hired on a contractual basis. They may teach for only a few semesters before they return to their industry full time. Per semester, they usually teach a few courses on introductory or general subjects.

Why would someone choose to work as an adjunct instructor rather than a professor?

Flexibility — Adjuncts have more flexibility in their schedules than full-time professors. Some parents with young children choose to teach part-time to spend more time with their kids.

Do adjuncts have academic freedom?

If such courses were not being taught be- cause of resistance by senior faculty, the pressure on tenure would increase. Adjuncts thus function as a safety valve for tenure, which in turn is the surest protection for academic freedom.

Can you be an adjunct professor as a side job?

Apply for open positions

Alternatively, if being an adjunct professor is your side job , you can work one or two classes to keep the rest of your time open.

Is a lecturer an adjunct professor?

Adjunct Professors are non-tenure track contingent labor, usually part-time and non-salaried. While many universities use "Lecturer" in place of "Adjunct", many also have a class of tenured, full time, salaried Lecturers.

Do adjunct professors get summers off?

Most professors will always have the ability to take summers off regardless of what type of professor they are. But adjuncts are the professors who most likely don't work during the summer. A full-time professor is usually employed on a 9-month contract.

Do adjunct professors need a Masters?

You need at least a master's degree. In reality, most adjuncts have terminal degrees in their field or are in the process of earning their terminal degree. While many adjuncts have a Ph. D., you could secure an adjunct position with a different degree if it is a terminal degree.

Is adjunct professor stressful?

Put simply, being an adjunct is hard work. In our experience, while the pace may be different, the hours spent preparing for class, teaching (either synchronously or asynchronously), grading, and making ourselves available to students are just as intense as a demanding position in the corporate world.

Do you need a PHD to be a professor?

Professors generally need a doctorate for entry-level positions. Most professors dedicate a decade to their postsecondary education before teaching their first class.

What should students call an adjunct professor?

Yes, adjunct faculty are also called professors.

For example, there could be one title for all - "adjunct professor" - or titles based on degrees earned, such as "professor" for those with Ph. D.s/Ed. D.s and "instructor" for those with no higher than a master's degree.

What is the opposite of an adjunct professor?

Adjunct and tenured professors hold graduate degrees and teach at the college level. Adjuncts are temporary employees who work on a contract basis. Tenured professors earn higher salaries than adjunct professors.

Do adjunct professors create curriculum?

Experienced professors can assist them in developing lesson plans, lectures, assignments and examinations. Most adjunct professors need to follow a particular curriculum defined by the institution, but they have the authority to instruct according to their style.