Question

G

Hi do you need a PHD to teach at universities? I am debating an office mate. Thank you

G

No. The last uni I went to had lecturers/supervisors with out PhD.

G

not always. but i belive having a phd may increase your chance to get a teaching position. but having a phd does not necessarily mean having a better teaching skill than those who do not have phd.

G

That true. Sometimes teachers with masters degree always take more interest in students work and these students always do well.

G

Not necessary. I found those teachers with a Master or DRPhD more interested in students and also more helpful.

G

I think it depends on the subject. For physical sciences I'd say yes, absolutely - a PhD and at least 3 years postdoctoral experience. But I did some archaeology a few years ago and I remember there were staff without PhDs. I've just checked their website and found one Mr, but he's a "senior research officer" (which you can be even with a PhD).

G

I think there is some confusion here.
You can be a graduate teaching assistant without a PhD where they will let you loose on undergraduates as a seminar teacher or a lab based demonstrator. If you want to lecture (have a proper faculty position) then you need a PhD and plenty of experience. Hope this helps.

Avatar for FindAPhD

It tends to vary from subject to subject and university to university. The vast majority of university lecturers have PhDs, but in some of the newer or more vocational subject areas it is quite common to find lecturers with no PhD (but plenty of work experience in their field).

In the more traditional academic disciplines it would be unusual to find a lecturer without a PhD.

G

Yes with explanation. In the past people had teaching positions in universities without PhDs. However, there seem to be a flood of PhD holders in almost every discipline, while at the same time there are limited vacancies. Therefore, to teach in the university now, one logical needs a PhD

G

To teach History at Cambridge, yes. To teach Linoleum Design and Spice Girl Studies at Little Winklington Uni, possibly not.

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