Teaching Computer Science

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JoAnnP38, Jun 3, 2004.

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  1. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    I know this has been discussed with regards to an MBA, but how does SACS govern the suitability of CS teachers who only have a master's degree? I'm pretty sure I read in some posts that an individual must have 18 graduate level hours in an area before they are considered "qualified" to teach in that area. With reference to business classes it was posted that these 18 hours must come from classes having the same course "prefix". Is this correct?

    In Florida, most schools use a common course numbering system; however, other schools do not share the same prefix. Does this 18 hour rule apply to individual specializations within Computer Science? For example, must I have 18 hours in courses with a COP (Computer Programming), COT (Theory), CEN (Computer/Software Engineering), CDA (Computer Architecture), CAP (Computer Applications), CIS (Information Systems, Independent Study, Special Topics) or CGS (General Computer Studies) to teach a class having one of those prefixes?
     
  2. Oherra

    Oherra New Member

    This is an excellent question and I too would appreciate an answer. My masters at AIU will be in Information Technology and will have an 18 hour concentration focusing on internet security, but I was not sure if this would limit me to teaching only internet security classes or any IT related course.

    I do know that on the community/technical college legal if you are teaching a technical course (non core, i.e. not English or math) that SACS will accept a bachelors degree in the field if the degree program is not explicitly designed to facilitate transfer to a 4 year school. This is how I was able to secure an adjuncting position with Okefenokee Tech. For that my plain old Bachelor of Information Technology worked just fine.
     
  3. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Folks,

    you may want to work this issue backwards. Take a look at where you want to teach. Contact the accreditor for their requirements and then contact the school for their version of the requirements. I have found that the accreditors have different standards for adjunct than full-time and that various schools have different thoughts in this venue. As for teaching classes outside of your concentration I found that my experience combined with the concentration classes helped. My biggest recommendation would be to find a couple of topics that you would want to teach and concentrate on these areas. Pay close attention to both the course designation and the syllabus or learning outcomes. Lastly, you miss 100% of the jobs for which you don't apply.

    Good luck and keep us posted.
     
  4. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    I'm years away from actually looking for a teaching job. However, I will be applying to graduate school soon and I was just thinking ahead to whether or not I should be concerned about what classes I take. This could be important since it might affect whether or not I can teach with a masters degree (if I don't go on for a PhD.)
     
  5. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    JoAnn,

    watch the class designators for your Masters. Alternatively, I hear SRU has a special going since their alumni are giving back their diplomas so you may be able to take your pick of qualifications :D
     
  6. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Yeah, I hear that a teaching gig at SRU is a sweet gig -- no students!!! :D
     
  7. NNAD

    NNAD New Member

    Computer teaching

    I know two Masters degree holders (MBA for one, M Ed in Ed technology for the other) who are teaching computer science and CIS/MIS classes for colleges with contracts at the local education center. Their undergrad is not computer related, but thier job expereince got them the gigs. But they are part time.

    I've heard that computer science/information systems is a hard subject to find good instructors for... so much competion in the "real world" both public and private sector. I've heard the opposite for liberal arts grads like myself.

    One push... consider K-12, they REALLY need some more computer literacy in the K-12 school, and it is easier to get tenure!

    I've been converted... I was once a wanna-be professor... now I can't wait to get an elementary classroom of my own in a few years.

    Good luck
     
  8. jimnagrom

    jimnagrom New Member

    In academia you have to market yourself just like anywhere else - except perhaps, government service. And the sooner you realize it - the better.

    My "qualification" to teach in a university is my EdS. (hopefully to be a PhD in a year) - but my "entree" is my undergraduate diploma in computing from Oxford University.

    You have to distinguish yourself.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 4, 2004

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