Master of Public Affairs - Adjunct Teaching Possibilities?

I am nearing the halfway point for completing a Master of Public Affairs with a specialization in Public and Nonprofit Management. With the degree mentioned, what types of college courses might I be eligible to teach as an adjunct instructor? I also have 20 years of senior-level management experience in both government and nonprofit agencies.

 

Additional Question/Info

Let me add some information/questions to my original post. With a Master of Public Affairs, would it be possible to teach college courses such as general management courses or even political science? I assume that I would be able to potentially teach public administration or possibly public policy courses.

 

It’s highly likely such adjunct instructor opportunities will be [very] restricted to merely the Master’s degree holder deficient in: 1) extensive industry experience, along with, 2) verifiable industry accomplishments. Competition has been /is fierce among terminal degree holders (e.g., PhDs [with] industry practice). Too few openings with so many aspirants (i.e., supply /demand)...

In my view—short of some form of exclusive preferentialism; the chance of landing an adjunct slot will be extremely challenging for the master degree [only] holder.

 

Good point.

To teach a specific subject area, classes that have been taken (verified on transcripts) are compared against classes that are to be taught. But that begs the question:

What if a professor has a British dissertation-only PhD without any coursework? How is it determined what he can or cannot teach?

 

In my view, the degree and/or industry experience will not decide whether the instructor will be /is [effective] in teaching … no matter the degree route (e.g., whether coursework /dissertation combination [or] research only). Effectiveness in teaching and eligibility to teach can often comprise differing components /skill sets...

 

Let's say the candidate has an MPA with a concentration in human resources (HR). That may not qualify him to teach public finance, unless he has taken graduate-level courses in finance. That's just an example.

Let's say the candidate has an MPA with a concentration in emergency management. That may not qualify him to teach other esoteric public administration courses, unless he has taken graduate-level courses in the esoteric subject area. That's just another example.

There are all different kinds of specializations or concentrations in MPA programs. Having an MPA alone doesn't qualify one to teach any and all MPA courses.

 

Others have said it more delicately but I'll be blunt. You should not assume that such a resume will allow you to teach anything, maybe not even at a community college. Masters degree holders are "dime a dozen" today and so they do not distinguish you at all, especially since half of your completion with have doctorates. Your work experience will hold you in good stead in the wider job market but within university hiring systems it's not clear that it counts for a lot. My suggestion is for you to go to the website of 3 or 4 local colleges and look at who is teaching the courses you'd like to teach. What are their credentials? You'll need all that and probably a bit more because to a university you're a noob and don't know their system, etc. Still, it doesn't hurt to try. Just have realistic expectations.

 

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

 

According to ACBSP - if you hold a doctorate in your subject area, you are doctorally qualified to teach that subject.

Shawn

 

I'm sorry to add more negative comments, but it has become extremely difficult for an inexperienced instructor to land even an adjunct teaching job. With the decline of some of the major online schools, qualified and experienced applicants are numerous for most positions. I'm afraid that a master's degree will not ensure that you are able to teach on the college level. Your work experience will certainly help, I'm sure you know your stuff and would do a good job, but it is doubtful that your experience will give you an advantage over experienced teachers, especially those holding doctorates. It's tough out there.

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