Guide to Becoming an Adjunct Professor: Tips for Landing Your First Teaching Role

For nearly 3 years, I had the privilege of teaching as an Adjunct Instructor at NYU’s SPS undergraduate program alongside my co-teacher Julia McInnis . This rewarding experience allowed me to share my passion for teaching and engage with students starting their professional journeys, bridging theoretical concepts with real-world experiences.

I am often asked how I became an Adjunct and if I have any tips for pursuing a teaching opportunity at a university. While there are various paths, including being invited to teach, I will focus on a more proactive, step-by-step approach to carving your own path.

Note: I use ‘Adjunct Professor’ and ‘Adjunct Instructor’ interchangeably, as universities use different leveling for titles based on experience and education requirements.

What is an Adjunct Professor?

Adjunct Professors or Instructors are educators hired on a contractual basis, typically working part-time and without eligibility for tenure. Unlike their full-time counterparts, adjuncts are generally not required to conduct research or publish papers, allowing them to focus primarily on teaching.

Universities have come to rely heavily on adjunct faculty as a means to manage overhead expenses, particularly in terms of salaries and benefits. This approach allows institutions to maintain flexibility in their staffing while controlling costs.

Despite their part-time status, Adjunct Professors play a crucial role in higher education. They bring fresh perspectives and real-world experience into the classroom, enriching the learning environment for students. Adjuncts often bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, providing students with valuable insights from the professional world.

Why Become an Adjunct?

Becoming an Adjunct Professor offers professionals a chance to share expertise and inspire the next generations while maintaining their primary career.? It's an opportunity to trial a career in academia without a full commitment, though it's important to note that adjunct positions rarely lead to full-time or tenured tracks.

The role allows you to stay connected with emerging trends and research in your field, as you'll be engaged with students and faculty who are often at the forefront of new developments. This can be particularly beneficial for professionals looking to stay current in rapidly evolving industries.

Moreover, adjunct teaching can enhance your professional profile. It demonstrates your expertise and ability to communicate complex ideas, which can be valuable in many careers. The networking opportunities within academia can also open doors to collaborations, research projects, or other full-time positions in the future.

Many find teaching personally fulfilling, as sharing knowledge with eager learners can reignite passion for your field.

Basic Requirements

To become an Adjunct Professor, there are two primary requirements:

1. Subject Matter Expertise: You need to have in-depth knowledge and experience in the topic you aspire to teach. This expertise is often gained through years of professional experience or advanced study in your field.
2. Educational Qualifications: Most universities require Adjunct Professors to hold at least a master's degree, with many preferring or requiring a doctoral degree. However, some colleges, particularly community colleges, may accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree for certain subjects. If you don’t have a postgraduate degree, don't let this deter you from exploring opportunities. Depending on what you're interested in teaching, you might be able to make a compelling case that your subject matter expertise and professional experience are more valuable than an advanced degree in your field. Look for nearby colleges that may have a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement and be prepared to highlight how your unique experiences make you an ideal candidate.

Identifying the Opportunity

When seeking adjunct roles, first spend time to narrow in on your potential opportunities:

1. Determine Your Subject Area: Reflect on your areas of expertise and consider what subject you'd like to teach. This could be in fields such as Finance, Marketing, AI, Behavioral Science, or any other area where you have significant experience and knowledge.
2. Locate Potential Institutions: Identify universities or colleges in your local area that interest you. With most institutions returning to in-person instruction, adjunct roles are rarely taught virtually. Since adjuncts typically are not reimbursed for travel expenses, it's advisable to focus on institutions within a reasonable commuting distance.

Two Paths to Landing an Adjunct Role

1. Find Existing Open Roles

Start by searching online for adjunct opportunities. Check the websites of universities you're interested in, as well as job sites like Indeed. When applying, tailor your resume to highlight your subject matter expertise relevant to the adjunct role. Also, emphasize any teaching, mentoring, or leadership skills you possess, as these are valuable in an academic setting.

2. Take a More Proactive Approach

Consider pitching a curriculum tailored to the school's needs. You don't need to design the entire course upfront; a concise summary of your proposed class can suffice. Here's how to approach this:

• Research: Investigate classes that are trending or new across similar schools. Look into whether your target schools have recently invested in or broadened their scope in particular departments or subject areas. You want to pitch a class in a subject that's growing and new. For example, if your school recently received a large endowment gift for its Marketing program, it is very likely the school will debut an expanded marketing program in the near future. Utilize AI tools like Perplexity to assist with this research.
• Evaluate Your Fit: Consider how your expertise could complement the existing curriculum. For instance, if you're interested in teaching a Marketing course for undergraduates that incorporates AI advancements, research the current Marketing classes offered at your target universities.
• Network: Try to secure a warm introduction to someone in the department you're targeting, ideally the department chair or head. Any faculty member could potentially be willing to connect you to the Department Chair or Head who is responsible for curriculum choices.
• Make Your Pitch: If a warm introduction is not available, craft a compelling cold email to the Department Head/Chair (their contact information is usually available on university faculty pages). Provide a concise elevator pitch for your proposed class, explain its relevance to their curriculum, and highlight why you're uniquely qualified to teach it.

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Like with any job search, you may not receive an immediate response to your application or pitch email. Sometimes, timing is crucial – trying again before the following semester might yield better results or approaching multiple institutions simultaneously.?

Best of luck in your research and in pursuing an adjunct role! Leave any comments or questions you might have regarding this topic.