Last Updated on November 28, 2022 by Omoyeni Adeniyi
More and more people are doing graduate work in psychology these days, and most of these people will not teach in a community college. If you’re one of those people looking to find out how to become a teacher with a bachelors degree in psychology and teaching at a community college requirements, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll look at the career pathway you’ll need to take to become a teacher with a bachelors degree in psychology and teaching at a community college. We’ll look at the specific steps necessary for starting your new job as well as the steps required to move into three levels of leadership within your department/school or college.
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Bachelors Degree in Teaching?
Teaching in a college generally requires at least a master’s degree in a specialty, although in some cases, colleges accept teachers with bachelor’s degrees, particularly if the teaching candidate can demonstrate expertise and considerable experience in the field in which she wants to teach. Students in graduate programs who are working toward a graduate degree can teach at the college level under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Most of the classes that master’s or doctorate candidates can teach are introductory courses.
Teaching is one of the most in-demand careers in America , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . With more than 400,000 teachers needed this year to fill classrooms across the nation , schools are eager to recruit from a pool of professional educators. Of course, getting a teaching position isn’t necessarily an easy task, especially if you’re looking to land a role at a community college. In fact, many aspiring teachers may find themselves feeling overwhelmed when it comes to how to apply for a teaching job with a baccalaureate degree in psychology and teaching at a community college requirements .
As an Instructor
Become an expert in the field in which you work. Some departments within colleges and community colleges accept instructors who have bachelor’s degrees if they have deep experience in a particular field.
Contact the school or department at which you would like to teach and find out what the opportunities are for you in your area of expertise.
Put your credentials into an effective resume and list any awards, accomplishments, and training that distinguish you in the field in which you have a specialization.
Fill out the necessary forms for the position and submit them with your resume, cover letter, and letters of reference.
As a Graduate Student
Contact the graduate program at the college or university you plan to attend. Ask them for a list of teaching assistant jobs in the department. Most colleges require that graduate student teaching assistants take a minimum number of credit hours during each semester or quarter to qualify.
Complete the forms the college requires to apply for the teaching assistant posts for which you are qualified. The hiring entity will contact you for interviews and notify you if you receive the appointment as a teaching assistant.
Read the terms and conditions of your appointment carefully if you are selected as a teaching assistant. Almost all teaching assistants have mandatory orientation meetings. Getting appointed as a teaching assistant is typically for one term only, so it is important to know when to apply for the next semester or quarter in order to keep the teaching assistant position.
How to Become a Teacher with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology
If you received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and are considering transitioning to a teaching position, you’ll be relieved to know an alternative teaching certification program is available that doesn’t require a second bachelor’s degree. The demand for teachers continues to grow along with the desire to offer smaller class sizes, staffing turnover and teacher retirement, and this career-switcher program aims to meet demand by targeting undergrads with a desire to work in this field.
It’s a State-by-State Process
Research your state’s teaching admission requirements for the alternative teacher certification program and see whether you meet or are able to meet all of the specified criteria, including minimum education, work experience and passing scores on required Professional Teacher Assessment Tests, recommends the teaching profession websiteTeacher Certification Degrees.
In addition to your bachelor’s degree in psychology, you will probably need to complete a state-approved teacher prep program, pass a background check, student-teach some classes and take a final exam. Employers will likely ask to see your college transcripts.
Pass All Required Teaching Exams
Study for the required Professional Teacher Assessment Tests which, depending on your state’s criteria, may include the PRAXIS I or II exam, a communication and literacy assessment and a reading for educators exam, according toTeach.com. You must receive a passing score on each exam to be eligible for admission to the program.
Pass an Certification Program
Apply for admission to the alternative teacher certification program through a certified program provider. If you are unsure of the programs offered in your area, you can obtain a directory of listings that will help you obtain psychology teacher certification.
Admission applications, along with college transcripts and test scores, are reviewed by the program director to determine whether or not a candidate will be accepted into the program. As with any continuing education option, you will be responsible for tuition, application fees or study materials upon acceptance.
Complete the certification program, which consists of a combination of classroom instruction, standards of learning assessments and field experience, and apply for your state’s teaching certification examination.
Once all the program requirements have been successfully fulfilled and a passing score has been received on the exam, you will receive a three-year provisional teaching license, making you eligible to begin teaching in your state under the supervision of your assigned mentor.
Apply For Your First Job
Find a job in an accredited school, work closely with your mentor during your first year of teaching and complete all re-certification criteria specified by your state, such as attending teaching workshops or seminars to increase your knowledge and experience.
You must receive a recommendation from your employer and program provider during this initial three-year period to receive your five-year renewable teaching license. This is achieved by demonstrating successful work performance and competency. Failure to receive this recommendation would mean you have to reapply to the certification program to continue teaching.
teaching at a community college requirements
Education requirements
- Education:Doctorate or master’s degree
- Typical study time:5-10 years
A community college teacher needs at least a master’s degree. Like most collegiate institutions, preference may be given to a candidate with a PhD. Community colleges also want instructors with prior teaching experience. Occasionally, community colleges will employ those with relevant work experience in a particular field as well.
Who makes a good community collegeteacher?
Someone who is:
- Inquisitive, creative, and curious
- Sociable and easy to talk to
- Passionate about connecting with students
- Patient and resourceful
- Organized and careful about time management
- Devoted to learning
- Attentive to details
- A lover of reading
- Service-oriented
- Able to laugh and have a sense of humor
- Thoughtful about interacting with people from diverse backgrounds
- Excellent at oral and written communication
- Highly knowledgeable about their subject area
- Qualified with a master’s degree in an education-related field, or a field related to the subject he/she teaches
Teacher with Bachelors Degree Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary of K-12 teachers in May 2017 was $58,780, with the top 10% earning on average $91,590. There are many factors that go into how much you’ll make as a teacher, with one of the most basic factors being the geographical location in which you teach. As shown in NCES’ table ofteacher salaries by localeExternal link, teachers in urban areas often make more than those in rural areas. Both of these areas are consideredhigh needs schools, meaning they have a greatdemand for teachers.
However, the cost of living in the cities is much higher, and to attract teachers, schools need to pay a salary that will compare with the cost of living. One of the most distinctive factors in determining your teacher salary is yourlevel of education. A bachelor’s degree with a licensure in your state is enough to be a teacher, but it is also the most basic qualification and will earn you the most basic salary.
Teachers looking to increase their salary maybenefit from a Master’s degree, such as aMaster’s of Science in TeachingExternal link(sponsored). Teachers with Master’s degrees are eligible for more promotions, and many schools offer compensation for advanced degrees. Pay may also vary depending on the grade level you teach.
High school teachers, who teach more complex subjects and are generally required to have majored or been certified in the subject they teach, are usually paid more than elementary school teachers, who are not required to have such specific certification.
It’s important to note that thesalaries for public school teachersare set byschool districtsthrough collective bargaining between teachers’ unions, setting a salary guide for the district.Private schools, on the other hand, are completely autonomous. They are able to set their own standards and requirements for teachers. Therefore, they are also able to set the salaries for their teachers, so before applying to work at a private school, you should check that institution’s policies.
Top Average Elementary Teacher Salary
- New York:$80,540
- California:$77,990
- Connecticut:$77,900
- Alaska:$77,030
- District of Columbia:$76,950
- Massachusetts:$76,590
- New Jersey:$69,500
- Virginia:$68,490
- Rhode Island:$67,990
- Maryland:$67,340
Top Average Secondary School Teacher Salary
- New York:$80,940
- Alaska:$79,430
- Connecticut:$78,990
- District of Columbia:$74,540
- Massachusetts:$74,400
- California:$74,190
- Oregon:$73,630
- New Jersey:$71,450
- Virginia:$67,770
- Illinois:$66,630
How to Teach at a Community College with a Bachelor’s Degree
In most cases, the answer is no. Most community colleges require a master’s degree in the subject they are teaching. However, you may not need a teaching certification. And unlike in a 4-year school, you won’t be required to have a Ph.D.
Teaching at a community college does allow you to focus more on teaching students. This is in comparison to those teaching in a 4-year college, who focus more on research and publication. Both, however, teach courses in their subject area, work with students and colleagues to plan the courses, assess student learning, and advise students about classes.
The post-secondary job field is growing as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is expanding at a rate of 11% a year, much faster than the average job growth (BLS, 2020).
For more information about teaching at a community college, check out thisarticle.
Can I Teach College Without a Master’s Degree
There are quite a few people who wish to teach at a college or university, and they may not have time in their lives for a full doctorate. Teachers at most college hold doctorates, but there are many instances in which teachers with a master’s degree may work at that level. This article helpsjob seekerslearn which jobs they may do in a college with their master’s degree, and the master’s may be the only degree they need. Each person who has sought after a graduate degree has hope when searching for jobs.
Who Teaches With A Master’s Degree?
There are quite a few graduate students who teach while holding a master’s degree, and they are running undergraduate courses to ensure the students will learn as they should. More classes are opened by the school when they have multiple people on-staff with graduate degrees, and anyone who wishes to go back for their doctorate will be allowed to teach the lower level classes because they have the training to do so.
Online Courses
There are quite a few people who teach online classes to undergraduates and master’s students because they have a master’s degree as it is. They are hired every day to ensure all the classes may be offered in the proper time, and they teach at a college or university from home. The online courses are easy to manage, and they may teach several of them at the same time. The courses are useful to students who are unsure how to get to a traditional classroom, and the courses are easy for stay-at-home parents to teach from their desks.
Two-Year College
Two-year colleges are excellent places for professors to hone their craft with their master’s degree. The two-year school is a place where students come and go quickly, and they will learn quite a lot from someone who has a master’s degree as it is two levels above where they are. Someone with a master’s degree may carve out a lovely career that will help them ensure are reaching students. They will find it easy to teach classes that are focused on the first two years of college, and they will have more than enough information to share.
Specific Subjects To Be Taught
Engineers and business professionals are often hired at the master’s level as the doctorate is not all that necessary in their field. They will teach and work with a master’s degree, and colleges will seek them out to ensure they have the finest professionals in the field. An engineer or businessman may transition from their regular job to teaching college, and they will be prepared to teach a battery of courses that undergrads must take.
The colleges and universities that are expanding around the world require more teachers. They are searching for trained professionals to teach each class, and they will find each person who is teaching to be of the utmost caliber. The master’s level professional may work from home teaching online courses, and they will have a fulfilling career that allows them contact with students sooner in the educational process. The extra four to five years for a doctorate are not necessary and the professor may be higher by some of the finest schools in the world.
Related
FAQs
Can I teach at a college with just a bachelors? ›
Uniquely, California regulations require five years of higher education to become a teacher. You can meet this requirement either by: Traditional Path — Earning your bachelor's and master's degrees. Nontraditional Path — Participating in a blended credentialing program that has been approved by the state.
What credentials do you need to teach college? ›The BLS noted that at four-year colleges and universities, a doctorate is the standard credential for a professor. While some specialized fields may require a master's-level education rather than a doctorate, or take on doctoral candidates, requiring the full degree is far more common.
Is a bachelor's degree enough to be a teacher? ›In order to become any kind of teacher, from elementary education to high school, you'll have to have a bachelor's degree. An education program is usually required in order for you to become a teacher due to the coursework, student teaching, and licensure requirements that will need to be met.
Can I teach college without a degree? ›While most public school teaching positions do not require a master's degree, it's increasingly common for teachers to pursue master's degrees to increase their chances of getting hired. If you want to be a college professor , you'll likely need to get a master's degree or doctorate.
Can you teach college without a master's degree? ›There are quite a few people who wish to teach at a college or university, and they may not have time in their lives for a full doctorate. Teachers at most college hold doctorates, but there are many instances in which teachers with a master's degree may work at that level.
Can you teach undergrad without a PhD? ›While most universities and 4-year colleges require full-time professors to hold a doctorate in their given field to teach and/or conduct research, other postsecondary teachers may be hired with a master's degree or lower.
How long does it take to become a college professor? ›It can take at least eight years of college education to become a professor. Completing postdoctoral education or gaining working experience in one's field can add to the time it takes to earn a faculty position. What does a professor earn?
What type of professors are in demand? ›Some of the most in-demand science subjects are physics, chemistry, and biology. Additionally, there's a growing need for communications and information technology experts. Postsecondary teachers usually teach in their field of expertise and often conduct research and publish their findings.
Can I clear my credential without a teaching job? ›Can I clear my credential if I am unemployed or a substitute teacher? No. Per recent CTC changes to the induction standards, only employed teachers are eligible for induction.
What bachelor's degree is best for teaching? ›- Education. As an education major you will explore what education entails and how to improve it, often with a focus on public K-12 education. ...
- STEM. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Sociology. ...
- History. ...
- English/Liberal arts. ...
- General tips to becoming a teacher.
What counts as a professional degree? ›
A professional degree, also known as a first-professional degree, is a degree that prepares you for a particular career. The most common examples of professional degrees are law degrees (J.D.s) and medical degrees (M.D.s).
What skills are needed to be a teacher? ›Some qualities of a good teacher include skills in communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning.
Is an adjunct a professor? ›An adjunct professor is a part-time professor for a college or university. They differ from full-time professors in that they are contracted to teach one or more classes each year.
What do you call a professor with a masters? ›Master levels are called Instructor. Now because some people get in a snit about the title of Doctor the custom is to only call people with PhD's Doctors. If you are a grad student and are called professor you should correct the person because it is a title that people earn with an additional 5 to 8 years of study.
What is the difference between a professor and a lecturer? ›In most mathematics departments in the U.S., professors teach one or two courses per semester. Lecturers, unlike professors, are individuals hired by the university solely to teach. They usually have a Masters degree, but often do not have a Ph. D.
Can you teach college with a masters in history? ›College teaching does not require teacher certification, but it does require an advanced degree in history. If you are interested in teaching at the junior college level, the minimum qualifications are an MA in history. Some junior colleges prefer applicants with a Ph. D. or at least study beyond the MA.
Can you teach college with an MBA? ›However, a master's degree (including an MBA) may qualify candidates to teach in certain disciplines including the arts, or as part-time instructors and temporary hires (such as teaching specific classes).
Do you need a PHD to be an adjunct professor? ›Most adjunct instructors require a master's degree as the minimum academic qualification and some require full doctorate degrees. Typically, a master's degree can last two to three years while a doctoral program might take up to five or six depending on the field.
How much does a PhD cost? ›On average, the total cost comes out to $32,846 per year, including tuition and living expenses. Students typically take 4-8 years to finish a Ph. D. program, so a doctoral degree can cost anywhere from $131,000-$263,000 before grants and assistantships.
What do you call a professor without a PhD? ›This is especially true for women as “Mrs.” reduces a woman to her marital status and ignores her academic accomplishments. However, you are addressing an instructor who is not a professor and does not have a PhD (such as a TA or lab instructor) you can call them “Mr.” or “Ms”.
Can you do PhD right out of undergrad? ›
Yes, you can get a PhD without first obtaining a master's degree. A number of universities offer direct entry to PhD programs from undergraduate or bachelor degree studies. In some cases, specific schools or programs may prefer that applicants hold a master's degree.
What is the average age of a college professor? ›...
College Professor Age.
On average, the time that elapses between entering graduate school and attaining the rank of Full Professor in a university is 17-20 years. Promotion can also be through open competition, usually at another institution.
Who is the youngest professor in the world? ›Alia Sabur (born February 22, 1989) is an American materials scientist. She holds the record for being the world's youngest professor.
Which faculty has highest salary? ›- Law teachers - $129,950. ...
- Health specialties teachers - $121,620. ...
- Economics teachers - $119,160. ...
- Political science teachers - $102,290. ...
- Physics teachers - $101,110. ...
- Anthropology and archaeology teachers - $95,140. ...
- Environmental science teachers - $93,450.
Average Professor Salary by Subject
In general, the average pay is between roughly $64,000 and $123,000 per year. Education professors are at the low end of the salary range, typically earning less than $65,000 a year. The highest-paid are those who teach law; their expertise can net an annual salary of over $120,000.
Myth 3: Professors Get Summers Off
College students often only interact with professors during the fall and spring semesters. But the reality is that professors rarely take long breaks from academia. For many tenure-track professors, teaching represents less than half their workload.
It is the responsibility of the new teacher to earn a clear teaching credential within a five-year period from the issuance of the preliminary teaching credential.
What is a clear teaching credential? ›The term "Clear" or "Level II" credential signifies that all education and program requirements for the credential have been met. Clear or Level II credentials are not held for professional growth requirements.
What happens if you don't clear credential? ›If requirements for the clear credential are not completed before the expiration of the preliminary, the holder will not be able to teach in California's public schools with that credential until those requirements are met and the document is renewed.
What level of degree do most teachers have? ›
Bachelor's Degree
All public schools require teachers to have a bachelor's degree at the very least. Many universities and colleges offer bachelor's degrees in education, including more specific programs such as early childhood education, if you want to become a preschool or elementary school teacher, for example.
B. Ed or Bachelor of Education is a post-graduate course. All graduates can pursue the course after completion of their undergraduate bachelor's degree courses. This degree is necessary for becoming a teacher at the secondary or higher secondary level.
What is the best major for elementary teachers? ›Most teachers major in elementary education, while some states require them to also specialize in a content area, like social studies or history. Other teachers major in related fields with relevant elementary education coursework and field training in the classroom.
What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and a professional bachelor's degree? ›An academic degree concentrates on a major that prepares you for research-oriented work. A professional degree prepares graduates to work in a specific field, such as medicine, law, or pharmacy.
Is a professional degree the same as a bachelor's degree? ›Professional degrees may be either graduate or undergraduate entry, depending on the profession concerned and the country, and may be classified as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.
What is a college graduate vs professional degree? ›Graduate school programs are academic courses of study that offer more advanced programs of study (beyond a bachelor's degree) in certain disciplines. This can mean earning a master's degree on its own or as a step toward a PhD program. Professional school programs help prepare students for careers in specific fields.
What is your weakness as a teacher? ›So as a recap, the four answers that you can give when being asked, what are your greatest weaknesses, are, I focus too much on the details, I've got a hard time saying no sometimes, I've had trouble asking for help in the past, and I have a hard time letting go of a project.
How do you deal with misbehaving learners? ›- Be steady, consistent and firm.
- Acknowledge the feelings of the individual.
- Remember that disruptive behavior is often caused by stress or frustration.
- Patient and approachable. They say that 'patience is a virtue', and this couldn't be more true for teachers. ...
- Enthusiastic. ...
- Strong communication skills. ...
- Strong knowledge and a solid education. ...
- Disciplined and professional.
Pros of being an adjunct professor
Flexible schedule: Adjunct professors often teach fewer classes per semester or quarter than tenured professors, as their employers often limit their schedules. This provides you with time to pursue other career opportunities or interests and spend time with family and friends.
How do you become a college professor? ›
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Every college professor holds a bachelor's degree, but not necessarily in the same field that they teach. ...
- Step 2: Apply to Graduate School. ...
- Step 3: Pass Comprehensive Exams. ...
- Step 4: Write a Dissertation. ...
- Step 5: Go on the Job Market.
"Faculty" is the term for academic staff at an institution of education. In primary and secondary schools, the faculty are teachers, whereas in postsecondary institutions, professors comprise the faculty. Faculty can also include researchers, scholars and lecturers, depending on the school or university.
How hard is it to become a college professor? ›Becoming a college professor takes years of hard work, but it's certainly doable as long as you know what you'll need to do in order to prepare for the position and increase your chances of securing a job as a professor. Overall, it's extremely difficult to become a professor.
Can you be a professor without a master's? ›Hopeful professors must continue their education with a graduate degree. Generally, those who want to work as professors at community colleges are required to earn a master's degree, while those who want to teach at four-year colleges and universities should earn a doctorate.
What degree gives you the title professor? ›Most professors will be PhD-holders, but so will be many – if not most – other academics employed as university teachers and researchers. 'Professor' doesn't denote a qualification but an academic staff grade – the most senior one.
Are professors upper class? ›Most people in the upper-middle class strata are highly educated white collar professionals such as physicians, dentists, lawyers, accountants, engineers, military officers, economists, urban planners, university professors, architects, stockbrokers, psychologists, scientists, actuaries, optometrists, physical ...
Can any teacher be called a professor? ›Although the term "professor" is often used to refer to any college or university teacher, there are different 'tiers' of professorship ranging from an entry-level position as an "assistant professor" to "full professor", a rank reserved for professors who have established themselves as experts within their academic ...
Are all college teachers called professors? ›Is every college teacher a professor? No. In the USA, about half the teachers of lower-division and general education courses will be adjuncts, graduate teaching fellows, or instructors. Many of the adjuncts and instructors will be doctors, but not professors.
Can you be a teacher in Texas with any bachelor's degree? ›Obtain a Bachelor's Degree - You must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Complete an Educator Preparation Program - You must complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program. If you do not hold a degree you must complete a university program.
Can I teach online with just a bachelor's degree? ›You can pursue a variety of online teaching jobs from home with only a bachelor's degree, even if your degree is not in education. Although many online schools prefer teachers with certification, demand is growing for teachers, tutors, and test scorers without professional licensing.
Can you teach in Michigan with a bachelor's degree? ›
To be employed in Michigan as a teacher, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a bachelor's degree and a valid teaching certificate. All educators must complete the steps listed below as well as uphold standards of professional practice.
Do you need a PhD to be an adjunct professor? ›Most adjunct instructors require a master's degree as the minimum academic qualification and some require full doctorate degrees. Typically, a master's degree can last two to three years while a doctoral program might take up to five or six depending on the field.
What is the fastest way to become a teacher in Texas? ›What is the fastest way to become a teacher with no degree? Completing an alternative teaching certificate in Texas through Teachers of Tomorrow typically takes most individuals 9-12 months to complete.
How much do teachers make in Texas with a bachelor's degree? ›Texas Teacher's Starting Salary for the 2022 to 2023 school year is between $50,000 and $65,000 for a beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree and no experience.
What degree is needed to teach online? ›Each educator must complete an approved teacher training program, student teaching experience, and a background check to receive their teaching credentials. A bachelor's in education or a master's in education generally meets the requirements. Private schools may hire online teachers who do not possess licensure.
Can I teach online without a certificate? ›While a degree isn't necessary to earn money teaching English online, most hiring companies do expect and require a TEFL certification. There are a LOT of full online TEFL courses that you can take and get certified in no time from home! A few years of experience.
Can you make a living teaching online? ›Yes. Teaching English online provides great opportunities to earn a good salary on either a part-time or full-time basis. While it isn't the most lucrative profession, it does offer great flexibility and convenience, including the ability to make money from home while impacting the lives of others.
How do I become a teacher with a bachelor's degree in MA? ›In Massachusetts, you must have at least a bachelor's degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification. Massachusetts does not list specific course or credit hour requirements; however some subject fields may have such requirements.
Is a Masters in Education the same as a Masters in teaching? ›The primary distinction is that the master's in teaching focuses more directly on teaching and classroom management. In contrast, the master's in education is a broader degree, applicable to a classroom career but also to jobs in administration, curriculum development, and education policy.
Why is adjunct pay so low? ›Adjuncts are paid so little to help universities and colleges save money. Higher education institutions are businesses looking to lower overhead costs and generate revenue. Ultimately colleges save a lot of money by hiring several part-time adjunct instructors rather than full-time tenure-track faculty positions.
Can I be an adjunct professor without a Masters? ›
Education requirements
Most commonly, adjunct professors must have completed a master's degree to teach in higher education. Community colleges or technical schools may only require a bachelor's degree, along with relevant experience in certain disciplines.