This question is one with a variety of answers – it depends on who is asked, what subject matter is taught, and how much the teacher would like to earn. To keep it simple, the answer is no – a Ph.D. is not necessary for one to have a successful online teaching career – but there are many benefits and perks that may sway one to pursue a Ph.D.
A large percentage of online instructors are adjunct instructors. These adjunct instructors have Master’s Degrees and many have Ph.D’s. However, in order to achieve one of the coveted full-time positions at many schools, a Ph.D. is significantly more likely to offered the position – especially if other factors, including experience, are equal to someone with out a Ph.D.
Personally, I have been teaching in the online environment for just over 6 years and just last week made the decision to start my Ph.D. I decided to pursue my Ph.D. based on a variety of factors, but the number one reason that I decided to continue my education despite already having a full-time online teaching position is that I want to keep myself and my skills relevant to the progressing needs of the online classroom.
If one asks this question of an academic at nearly any traditional 4 year college or university in the United States, I think the resounding answer would be yes – a Ph.D. is necessary. However, even many of those 4 year schools employ adjunct instructors with Master’s degrees to teach lower division and general education courses. Typically, this is done to save money, but it is definitely a common practice.
The subject matter in which one would like to teach is also important in deciding if a Ph.D. is necessary. In some fields – such as areas that are taught in traditional colleges but are considered more of a trade skill like welding – a Ph.D. in welding in order to teach the courses is not realistic. A skilled tradesman in this area, perhaps with no formal college degree, would be an excellent instructor. And teaching welding online, probably isn’t going to be very successful. However, if the subject area is more focused on book learning – such as English or a Humanities course, a Ph.D. may be necessary in order to teach upper division courses and to advance within one’s career.
The amount of money one would like to earn is also an important factor to consider. Typically, instructors without a Ph.D. earn less than those who have obtained one. For individuals who hope to make online teaching their life-long career, it can be worth the financial cost and the time cost to obtain their Ph.D. in order to increase their earning potential.
Therefore, while it is not necessary to have a Ph.D. to have a successful online teaching career, many do find that it is worth the time, effort, and cost to pursue one.
Do you feel it is necessary for one to have a Ph.D. to teach online?
About the Author
Jamie Weitl is a WAHM teaching for several online universities and raising three precocious little ones. In her spare time she enjoys writing, baking, and running. For more info, see my Google Plus Profile.
