How to Become an Online University Professor

Since 2005, the number of people who have earned degrees from accredited online universities has increased by 35%. More and more bachelors and masters programs are offered in distance learning format, especially in areas of business administration, sociology, and psychology.

What makes online degrees so valuable to graduates and their employers is the quality of the professors who teach at online universities. If you have an advanced degree, strong writing and computer skills, and a passion for teaching, this could be a new career path for you.

Instructions

1. Put together a resume and CV that includes all the degrees you have earned, professional certifications, professional awards in your field, papers written, and all of your teaching experience. As with applying for any other higher education jobs, employers want to see that you are accomplished in your field, and have some teaching or mentoring experience.

2. Next, design a demo course to show online college employers. You don't have to design a full course, but at least make a syllabus, create sample lessons (PowerPoint demonstrations, webpages with notes), and create tests. To be hired as an online instructor, you have to show that you can deliver effective lessons.

3. Keep in mind that the online university you work for will provide training in designing online courses and individual lessons. They will teach you how to use their software and programs to create these lessons. You will also learn how to conduct live online classes where you can interact with students in real time. To do this, you may need to upgrade your computer.

   It is necessary to have some basic computer skills, so if needed, brush up on creating webpages, slide shows, etc.

4. The next step is to apply for jobs. There are hundreds of accredited online schools where you can teach. If you can't think of many names except the big ones who advertise everywhere, do a Google search for your field of study + "online course."

   For example, if you have a degree in criminal justice, search for "criminal justice online course," or "criminology online program," or "criminal justice online degree" to find more schools.

5. You can also apply to teach at community colleges. Community colleges offer a wide range of online classes, with only a few live meetings require per semester.

6. Understand that with less experience, you will start out teaching basic courses, such as introductory writing, accounting, or psych 101. With more experience, you will be assigned to teach advanced classes.

7. Online college instructors can move onto many more jobs, including college administration, or they can transition to teaching at a traditional school.