Q&A

Does an adjunct professor teach?

Does an adjunct professor teach?

Adjunct professors are defined as professors who are hired on a contractual basis, usually in part-time positions. Adjunct faculty teach courses just as full-time professors do, but they are exempt from some of the responsibilities of fully employed university instructors.

How does adjunct teaching work?

Adjunct professors work in institutions of higher education, including community colleges and four-year universities. They often work in one discipline—typically one in which they have graduate education—but may alternate if they specialize in more than one field.

Can you be an adjunct professor at multiple colleges?

Some adjuncts do teach full-time by teaching classes at more than one university. However, these professors who “moonlight” at multiple colleges still don’t earn the same salary or benefits of a full-time instructor.

Can a adjunct teach at more than one University?

Some adjuncts do teach full-time by teaching classes at more than one university. However, these professors who “moonlight” at multiple colleges still don’t earn the same salary or benefits of a full-time instructor.

How many adjunct instructors are there in the United States?

Hundreds of thousands of part-time adjunct instructors teach at the nation’s colleges and universities, representing two-fifths of all faculty. These instructors sometimes hold full-time jobs in their field and teach a course on the side.

What does it mean to be an adjunct professor?

An adjunct instructor is a part-time educator who teaches classes at the college level. Adjuncts typically hold contracts on a per-semester or per-year basis, and contracts sometimes depend on whether or not enough students enroll in a class.

What are the benefits of being an adjunct?

Adjunct faculty may commit the same amount of non-classroom hours as full-time professors. Adjuncts do not usually receive health insurance, retirement plans, or other employee benefits. Adjunct faculty may not have a physically designated office space at the university.

What skills does an adjunct instructor require?

Both adjunct instructors and instructors, adjunct faculty alike are skilled in student learning, professional development, and procedures. As far as similarities go, this is where it ends because an adjunct instructor also must be experienced in skills such as philosophy, database, literature, and abnormal psychology.

How do adjuncts get paid?

Adjuncts are paid by a rate per credit hour for the courses they teach. Rates vary by institution, by credentials and experience level, years at the institution and other criteria. Information is sometimes available through the faculty websites, and through openings on job posting sites.

How much do adjunct professors make?

Adjuncts typically earn between $20,000 and $25,000 annually, NPR reports. Compare that to the average salary of $84,303 for full-time instructors and professors, according to the American Association of University Professors .

Are adjuncts considered faculty?

In the United States, an adjunct is a non-tenure-track faculty, though it can also be a scholar or teacher whose primary employer is not the school or department with which they have adjunct status.