Hi, Does one need to have a Master degree or even PhD to teach computing/IT/Tech courses in community colleges in Canada ?. My question is mainly from Canadian perspective. Also would it be better to have a M.Ed or some degree in adult education to teach (and possibly design courses) in colleges and/or even private/public companies that offer Technology courses (including online/DL courses) to their employees or students ? appreciate your response.
I have experience teaching within the college system in Ontario, Canada. Generally, the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM requirement to teach Diploma-programs within the Ontario college system is an honours bachelor's degree. However, most job postings call for a relevant masters degree or M.Ed., but a Ph.D. would be preferred (naturally). Realistically, if you hold a good master's degree in the discipline that you want to teach, you will be qualified to teach at most Ontario colleges. However, since colleges are now offering bachelor's degrees, this requirement might eventually get elevated to a Ph.D. If you want to work in curriculum development, an M.Ed. is the qualification of choice from my experience.
I would have to agree with Scott. Community colleges are looking for facilitators and professors who hold Masters degrees. The exception is for those with an undergraduate degree who have many years of experience as teachers or are experts in their subject matter. The MEd is a good degree to have if you're interested in teaching at a community college. A doctorate will definitely get you an interview.
With the high level of unemployment in the IT field in Canada, it is quite common to see new faculty members in the CC with a PhD. The Master's degree is becoming the minimum to teach at the CC level. If your B.Sc is in Computer Science then the M.Ed can be also accepted, but normally only at the CC level. At the university level you would be required to have a PhD in Computer Science and not in Ed.
Thanks guys... BTW, M.Ed should be in a specific subject ? I mean in order to teach mostly computing courses should one do M.Ed in IT or Computing ? does such degree exists ? or just a general M.Ed would do along with MSCS (if one can do it in parallel) ?
The MEd should be in adult education since most community college students come from a diverse background and are of all ages. Look at Brock, OISE or U. of Phoenix for these programs.
not sure if you can give any ideas on these.. there are DL M.ED degree programs at Memorial University and University of New Brunswick. are they good and worth the effort ? BTW, what is OISE (UofT?)?
I'm not sure if it still offers it, but at one point, the University of Toronto had a DL M.Ed. program on offer (I think!)
Beside teaching I can also get involved in instruction/course design at community colleges (to keep options open). I guess M.Ed in Adult education would be suitable for that ?
Absolutely. The MEd program in adult education is geared towards curriculum design and teaching methods.
