Another question about credits and CC teaching

I am considering the MFA program at Queens in Charlotte NC. With the MFA in creative writing can one then qualify to teach english classes at the community college or university level? Only creative writing classes? As a terminal degree (creepy term) is that the limit of subjects one can teach in the south at least?

 

You should contact Central Piedmont CC and speak with the Dean of the Arts and Sciences department. I don't think you could teach English but you may be able to teach many Fine Arts classes. It really depends on what they offer in their current curriculum.

Duff

 

Thanks

Thanks.

 

In every traditional university I have ever attended (more than a few) there have been MFA grads teaching in both the English and Theater departments. Some even held professional rank. I just looked through a few CC catalogs I have on hand and there are more than a few MFAs in the faculty lists...

Most of the CC faculty vacancy announcements I read ask for a minimum MA with at least 18 hours in the content area (an MFA would probably exceed that requirement in general English) -- to add a content specialty then you'd need 18 hours in that area.

Getting a teaching apointment in a CC depends more upon your teaching ability and qualification to teach the subject needed than on the degree you hold (though that is important too).

I'd hazard that it is much easier to get the creative writing methods teaching gig at a CC with an MFA than with an MA in Lit. -- especially so if you have actually written a few things that are in print. Then too, you might get an appointment as "Artist in Residence" vs "Instructor in Writing". The few resident artists I know make much more than a faculty Instructor.

The MFA is a long and ardous program though -- especially if what you are wanting is a post-secondary teaching job. Might you be better served by an MA and later PhD?