Adjunct Professor Jobs: Definition, Roles & Opportunities

🎓 What is an Adjunct Professor?

The term adjunct professor refers to a part-time faculty member in higher education who is hired on a temporary, contractual basis to teach one or more specific courses. Unlike full-time tenured professors, adjunct professors do not hold permanent positions and typically receive pay per course without comprehensive benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions. This role emerged prominently in the United States during the mid-20th century as universities faced growing enrollment and budget pressures, needing flexible staffing to cover teaching demands without long-term commitments.

In practice, the adjunct professor meaning centers on instructional expertise delivered flexibly. For instance, they might teach introductory biology or composition classes at community colleges or four-year institutions. In U.S. territories like American Samoa, adjuncts play a vital role at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC), supporting programs in nursing, marine science, and Samoan studies amid limited full-time faculty.

📜 History and Evolution of Adjunct Roles

Adjunct positions trace back to the 1940s post-World War II enrollment boom, but proliferated in the 1970s and 1980s with declining state funding for higher education. By 2023, adjuncts constituted about 56% of U.S. faculty, according to the American Association of University Professors. This shift allowed institutions to adapt to fluctuating student numbers while controlling costs. Globally, similar contingent roles exist, though the U.S. model is most defined.

👥 Roles and Responsibilities

Adjunct professors primarily focus on teaching, which includes developing syllabi, delivering lectures, assessing student work, and providing feedback. They often hold limited office hours and may participate in departmental meetings but rarely engage in committee work or advising.

• Designing and teaching courses aligned with program goals
• Grading exams, papers, and projects promptly
• Engaging students through discussions and practical activities
• Updating course materials to reflect current field developments

In smaller settings like ASCC in American Samoa, adjuncts might also contribute to community outreach, blending cultural contexts into curricula.

📋 Required Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Academic Qualifications

A master's degree in the relevant field is the minimum for most adjunct professor jobs, though a PhD is often preferred or required for upper-level courses. For example, teaching accounting requires an MBA or MS in accounting.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

While not always mandatory, demonstrated expertise through publications, conference presentations, or professional certifications is valued, especially in specialized areas like STEM or humanities.

Preferred Experience

Prior teaching experience, such as as a teaching assistant, plus a record of publications (e.g., peer-reviewed articles) or securing grants, significantly enhances candidacy. Community college adjuncts may prioritize practical industry experience over research.

Skills and Competencies

Essential skills include excellent communication, classroom management, curriculum development, and proficiency in learning technologies like Canvas or Blackboard. Cultural sensitivity is key in diverse settings like American Samoa.

🌎 Adjunct Professor Jobs in American Samoa and Beyond

Opportunities in American Samoa are concentrated at ASCC, which frequently hires adjuncts for its associate degrees and certificates. Salaries range from $1,500 to $4,000 per three-credit course, reflecting the territory's economy. To find adjunct professor jobs, monitor ASCC's career page or broader platforms. For crafting a strong application, review tips in how to write a winning academic CV. Networking via academic conferences or employer branding insights can open doors.

🔑 Definitions

Tenure-track

A career path leading to permanent employment after a probationary period, involving research, teaching, and service.

Contingent faculty

Non-permanent instructors like adjuncts, hired as needed.

Syllabus

A course outline detailing objectives, schedule, policies, and assessments.

🚀 How to Launch Your Adjunct Professor Career

Start by gaining experience through graduate teaching or tutoring. Build a portfolio of syllabi and student evaluations. Apply broadly, tailoring cover letters to institutional needs. Explore lecturer jobs as a stepping stone. Persistence pays off, as many full-time faculty began as adjuncts.

📈 Next Steps for Your Academic Journey

Ready to pursue adjunct professor jobs? Browse openings on higher ed jobs, gain insights from higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or if hiring, consider post a job to attract top talent.