Teach college classes without PhD? (doctoral, masters degree, psychology, public school)

[tangerinepuddle]

I always thought you needed a PhD to teach in college- or even to be in college administration, but have been informed otherwise - Does anyone know what the difference is? (Besides the pay, possibility of tenure, and the PhD after your name?).

I'm asking because someday I know I'd like to teach in a university setting or become an admissions advisor, or an advisor for students of a particular dept. and am wondering if I can do this with only a masters

[PurpleLove08]

It depends on the college. I know at most community colleges you can sometimes teach with a master's. It just varies.
Just look at what career you want to go into and look for employment ads.

Best of luck!!

[akck]

When I was in graduate school I knew of one prof who only had a masters degree. I think he was allowed to teach because he was working towards his PhD.

[Kereczr]

I THINK that in order to get the full professor status, tenure etc...you need a phd...don't quote me on that though.

[photobuff42]

Not in today's job market. If you want to work in that an academic environment, you need to pursue a doctoral degree.

[Sam82]

I teach college and I have a Master's degree. I am an adjunct.

[Mike in TN]

Too many factors to consider: individual school, position title, classes taught, etc.

The lady that taught my Intro to Psychology class at a JUCO was a banker who had an B.S. in Psychology.

Some of the professors that taught education related courses at my four year university had Ed.S. degrees.

Some of my other classes were taught by GTAs.

it all just depends.

[wilmingtonangel]

I teach at a community college with a master's degree.

Many universities hire adjuncts (part-timers) with masters, but the full-time professors need a PhD. Teaching part-time doesn't pay near as much, as you will only get paid for the hours you are in class teaching. There is a lot of prep-work that you will not get paid for. For every hour of class you can expect to spend 1 - 2 hours preparing.

At a community college I do not earn anywhere close to the professors @ the universities (they are usually in the 6 figures or close to it). I don't make much more than a public school teacher. It was hard to get a full-time position also. I had to teach part-time for 5 long years before getting a full-time position with a real paycheck and benefit package. I'd like to get a PhD later on for more earnings potential, but it's not feasible for me right now.

Administrative positions in colleges usually don't require PhD.

[jessiegirl_98]

Community colleges may only require masters. They also pay only about $2500 per class (or less). Most universities require PhDs for full-time teaching positions; however, they may allow you to teach part-time with a masters. Some degree programs (such as english) MAY allow you to teach if you have published/written extensively regardless of degree, but I can't think of anything else besides English where this may be true.

[summer grace]

She's right.I have a relative who teaches community college with a masters- makes a good living.I want to be a college instructer. I don't think it would be a bad thing to just have a master's degree and teach community college. But you have to have PhDfor university teaching.