Teaching at community colleges?

[dancedementia]

Hey there. I'm interested in adjuncting at community/junior colleges in the future (it's a population I'm passionate about and I would prefer to adjunct there than at a 4-year institution, personal preference). If I get a masters in Counseling, would it still be possible to teach Psychology courses? Or would I specifically need to get a masters in Psychology?

[Eigen]

I think you'll have a hard time with masters, period. Depends a bit on the geographic area, but in my locale it's tough to get adjunct jobs with a PhD and faculty that know you.

[Anxiousapplicant01]

I agree that it might be difficult to get a adjunct position with a masters. However, it is possible once you get a bit of experience in your respective field. I do know someone who has a masters in counseling who is an adjunct professor, however she really only teaches courses in counseling...this isn't an option at community college. I do not think it would be easy to get an adjunct position teaching psych courses because there are so many PhDs out there. I think it would be almost impossible to get a general psychology teaching position at a community college with a masters. 

[CatLady4Lyfe]

I think it depends on several factors. I got an adjunct position at a 4 year university with my master's, but I also had great relationships with the faculty there (it was where I did my undergrad and master's). In the city I worked there was 1 university, 1 community college, and several community colleges within a 40 minute drive. 1 professor who was the chair at said university even held an adjunct position for several years at the community college.

I also know several students who graduated with their master's in psychology a few years ahead of me that ended up getting their PhD's in counseling education. They held adjunct positions (Not GTAs) in counseling before they had their PhDs.

So, it's definitely possible, but it seems related more to the specific schools where you want to work. I say apply. All they can tell you is no, right?

[Piagetsky]

Agree with catlady4lyfe (on the post and the cats!).  My favorite psych instructor at community college had a master's degree.