An adjunct instructor is a part-time faculty member hired by a college or university on a contractual, course-by-course basis. These educators are non-tenured, temporary employees brought on to teach specific classes for a single semester at a time. Their primary purpose is to fulfill teaching needs as they arise, whether due to high student demand for certain courses or the need for specialized expertise not held by full-time staff.
The Role of an Adjunct Instructor
An adjunct instructor’s responsibilities are centered on teaching and student engagement, beginning with developing a course syllabus that outlines learning objectives, assignments, and grading policies. During the term, their main function is leading class sessions, which can involve delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, or guiding laboratory work. They are also responsible for creating, administering, and grading all student assessments, such as exams, papers, and projects. A part of their role includes being available to students outside of class through scheduled office hours, providing academic support and answering questions.
Adjunct Instructors vs. Full-Time Faculty
The distinction between adjunct instructors and full-time faculty is significant, extending across job security, responsibilities, and compensation. Full-time professors hold tenure or are on a tenure track, which provides a long-term employment contract. In contrast, adjuncts work on limited-term contracts for a single semester, with no assurance of future employment. Their position is dependent on student enrollment and departmental budget allowances each term.
Their professional responsibilities also differ substantially. While adjuncts are hired almost exclusively to teach, a full-time professor’s role is multifaceted, including teaching, research, and service. Full-time faculty are expected to publish scholarly articles, conduct research, and contribute to the university community by serving on committees. Adjuncts are not required to conduct research or attend most staff meetings.
This difference in status impacts compensation and benefits. Full-time faculty receive a salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans. Adjunct instructors are paid a flat fee per course and do not receive benefits. Their limited role can also lead to less integration within the academic department, as they are not included in faculty meetings or long-term planning.
Qualifications to Become an Adjunct Instructor
The qualifications to become an adjunct instructor vary by institution and field, but blend academic credentials with practical experience. The most common minimum educational requirement is a Master’s degree in the subject area to be taught. For positions at four-year universities or for teaching advanced courses, a Ph.D. or another terminal degree is often necessary.
Beyond academic degrees, professional experience is a valued qualification, particularly in vocational or specialized fields. For example, a community college might hire a professional graphic designer to teach a design course or a practicing accountant for a business class. This real-world expertise provides students with current, practical insights that complement theoretical knowledge.
In some cases, especially at community colleges or for highly specialized technical courses, a bachelor’s degree combined with extensive and relevant work experience may be sufficient. Institutions hire adjuncts to fill a specific knowledge gap, making demonstrated expertise in a particular niche a powerful credential. The hiring decision balances formal education with the ability to bring practical knowledge into the classroom.
The Pros and Cons of Being an Adjunct Instructor
Working as an adjunct instructor offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. One of the primary benefits is flexibility. The part-time nature of the role allows individuals to teach without the extensive commitments of a full-time academic career, making it a suitable option for professionals who want to share their expertise or for academics seeking teaching experience.
However, the position carries significant drawbacks, the most prominent being a lack of job security. Since contracts are offered on a semester-by-semester basis, there is no guarantee of continued employment, leading to inconsistent income and financial uncertainty.
This employment status can also lead to a sense of disconnection from the university community. Without an office, access to the same resources as full-time faculty, or a voice in departmental decisions, adjuncts can feel like outsiders. The role lacks the stability and institutional integration of a permanent academic position.
Compensation for Adjunct Instructors
Compensation for adjunct instructors is structured differently from that of salaried, full-time faculty. The standard payment model is a flat stipend paid for each course taught during a semester. This per-course fee is meant to cover all related work, including lesson planning, classroom instruction, grading, and holding office hours.
The amount paid per course varies based on several factors. The type of institution plays a large role, with private universities often paying more than public universities or community colleges. Geographic location and the academic discipline also influence the pay scale. The median pay per course is around $2,700, with annual earnings for adjuncts often falling between $20,000 and $25,000 if they do not secure multiple contracts.
Because the pay per course is often low, many adjuncts work at several campuses to earn a sufficient income. This practice has led to the term “freeway flyers,” describing instructors who commute between multiple institutions to teach their various classes. This necessity underscores the financial challenges inherent in relying solely on adjunct work for a living.