Hello everyone! I've found some amazing info here, really nice to see a place for asking and telling! :sgrin: I found out, for instance, about Aspen University right here; later the same day I found out it probably won't work for my long-term goals (teaching at the college level). The question I have is this: Is there much value in having two masters degrees when applying for an online position? How about a Brick-and-Mortar position (Community College)? A little background: I have two masters: one Brick and Mortar in Computer Science; and one Online in Psychology. All my job experience is in computer science, about 15 years. From other commentary I saw on this site, I apparently need to publish a bit more to stand a chance. I've spent most of my time in small companies, doing "production oriented" work. I do have one paper that should be coming out soon - co-written, actually. (My name won't be on top). I have face-to-face teaching experience, but nothing since '98. I've done distance learning, but never distance teaching. So, without a Ph.D. I'm guessing I need all the little advantages I can get. In the "for what it's worth" column, I've been looking at Ph.D. programs, but good CS Ph.D. programs are notoriously hard to find -- and very expensive. I've only found a couple, and other than UNISA (which isn't actually RA) everything has a fairly substantial residency (2-weeks a year or higher). Columbia (CVN) has a post-master's PD ("Professional Degree", whatever that is ...), but I don't think that's actually worth anything; and NCU has a business degree in ... "Applied Computer Science"? Well, thanks for your help! I'm sure I'll be asking more; any and all suggestions are welcome.
I would highly recommend that you devote your efforts to additional graduate education in a specialized area of your field rather than getting a Doctorate. For example, your field is CS - so graduate credits in information security would make you significantly more marketable. Once you get your foot in the door you can then worry about expanding your horizons with a Doctorate.
Can you expand a little further about why you favor this strategy over going for the doctorate first?
Sure - the Masters is the entry-level degree for adjunct jobs. There are a ton of people out there with MA degree trying to get into adjuncting to supplement their income, replace lost income, etc. You need to stand out among the others with some additional credential beyond the MA that is in high demand. When I say in high demand, I am referring to a program that will bring in money for the school (both non-profit and for profit schools). The effort you go through for a PhD is not going to put a school in this position, in fact it will cost them more at most places when they can get the same service from an MA holder and pay them less. A PhD is going to cost you a boat-load of money at most places and take about 4-5 years of your life. You would be better served getting yourself to the front of the list with additional education in one of these high need areas to make you stand out with a skill set that your prospective employers can use to fill seats. Once you can get established teaching, you can start on a Doctorate - that way you will be gaining experience simultaneously while earning your degree. In my experience, however limited it may be, schools are much more willing to hire someone with an MA working on a PhD with extensive teaching experience than they are to hire someone with a new PhD and limited experience. That is just my .02 - hope it helps and good luck.
Truckie270, That sounds like a good idea. I know there are some Graduate Certificates in teaching online and at the community college level. I believe APUS has some programs.
Normally a Master's in enough to teach computer classes. The problem is that enrollments are low in this area. I started teaching Computer Science and IT online but moved into accounting, risk management and operations because there are not many courses in this area. I still teach few online classes in IT but many have one or two people enrolled. A PhD in CS would not do any good at this point in time. May be Psychology has a better chance. Security as some suggested is in better shape but be ready to compete with people with 5+ certifications in this field. I would stay away from IT for teaching now.
If you look at job sites such as this one: Faculty Jobs at Colleges and Universities - HigherEdJobs Here's the number of job listings for various areas: 715 Science/Nursing 415 Science/Biology 326 Liberal Arts/Psychology 321 Liberal Arts/English & Literature 266 Science/Computer Science** 248 Science/Chemistry 238 Business/Accounting 218 Business/Information Systems** 195 Business/Management 174 Liberal Arts/Criminal Justice 166 Liberal Arts/Economics 153 Liberal Arts/Sociology 136 Liberal Arts/History 130 Business/Finance ** The two computer related categories have some duplicates between them. I did not examine the qualifications between the two.
Yes. In number of job listings on just the one website. Not very scientific but a start. The postings are not just adjunct, they include full-time, tenure, chairs, etc.
Another thing to keep in mind is how many other people you are competing with. Basically, the real important number is the ratio of available jobs to people qualified to fill them. So yes, there are more jobs out there for English Literature teachers than accounting teacher. It makes sense because EVERYONE has to take an English course, while most people don't take accounting. HOWEVER, how many qualified people are out there that can teach college level English, and how many people are out there that can teach college level accounting? An additional issue is what compensation folks qualified to teach in those field can receive OUTSIDE of academia. I person with a graduate degree in accounting also probably has his CPA and can command serious money for his time and skill. A nurse with a graduate degree is in the same position. What can a person with a masters or PhD in English Litt do outside of academia? Then again, maybe they are needed outside of academia. After all, my mocha latte isn't going to make itself. :biglaugh: (just kidding)
I would agree that the ratio of job seekers to available jobs is vastly more important. Good point. Why would a computer programmer, database administrator or security specialist making $80k+ with a Master's in Computer Science want to teach for $45k with no job security?
Because I love teaching. Unfortunately, I can't afford to take that kind of pay cut. And while it's tough to find statistics online, it seems like there isn't much of an "experience differential" in pay when transitioning from Professional to Academia. My long-term goal is actually to transition into academia, but at this point it's ... "tough at best". My experience is in software development, but most of the jobs that accept Masters degrees (all that I've seen so far) require more of an "IT" bent (computer security, networking, web development, ...). I figure that my best (only?) bet is to pay down debt to the point that I can afford that kind of pay cut (which will take time ... *cough*student loans*cough*) and build up teaching experience. By the way, is there anyone that can confirm my suspicions -- that the offered salary for Computer Science professors at a community college (or similar school) doesn't really go much higher than the $45k range?
That's about right. Community colleges often publish "salary schedule" - instructor pay as a function of degree and seniority. From what I have seen back when I was on the market, base step (new instructor with Master's) was normally between 36K and 45K, and top step for a 9-month position was in 70-80 range. At a CC in New Orleans, low end of the range was 29K (and I didn't even get that offer, lol!). Given these low salalaries, I would not recommend to you or anyone to compete for these jobs. After all, I don't want competition when I'm back trying to get them! ::bananas::
