Credentialing Procedures
I. Qualifications for Instructors
A.
The highest-earned degree which is presented as a credential to teach must be from a regionally accredited institution. With appropriate documentation of academic preparation, a credential to teach may be accepted from an institution outside of the United States or from a nationally accredited institution approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
B. Transfer Courses
Each instructor who teaches courses designed to transfer to a university or who teaches any course in humanities and fine arts, behavioral and social sciences, natural science, or mathematics for which credit toward a degree is awarded must hold a master’s degree in the discipline, or the equivalent, or hold a master’s degree and have completed 18 graduate semester hours in the discipline. 18 graduate semester hours in the discipline means in a broad subject area, such as business administration, rather than a specialty area. Any equivalence must be thoroughly justified by special competence in the field of knowledge.
C. Technical/Specialty Courses
Each instructor who teaches technical specialty courses in which transfer to a four-year college or university is a specified goal must hold a master’s degree in the discipline, or the equivalent, or hold a master’s degree and have completed 18 graduate semester hours in the discipline. 18 graduate semester hours in the discipline means in a broad subject area, such as business administration, rather than a specialty area. Any equivalence must be thoroughly justified by special competence in the field of knowledge.
D. Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Each instructor who teaches Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree technical specialty courses or a diploma course that can be used in an A.A.S. degree program must hold an associate degree in the discipline. Any equivalence must be thoroughly justified by special competence in the field of knowledge.
E. Self-Contained Diploma or Certificate
Each instructor who teaches a course in a self-contained diploma or certificate program must hold either appropriate academic credentials or a combination of academic preparation and evidence of special competence in the field of knowledge. Evidence of special expertise must be vetted by a faculty committee.
F. Basic Computation and Communication Skills
Each instructor who teaches basic computation and communication skills in non-degree occupational programs must hold a bachelor’s degree, have a demonstrated competency in the teaching field and satisfy, any special requirements of the specific program. Any equivalence must be thoroughly justified by special competence in the field of knowledge.
G. Adult Basic Education
Each instructor who teaches adult basic education at the high school level or below or who teaches limited English proficiency (LEP) classes must hold a bachelor’s degree. Any equivalence must be thoroughly justified by special competence in the field of knowledge.
H. Developmental or Non-Transfer English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
Each instructor who teaches developmental courses or non-transfer EFL courses must hold a bachelor’s degree in the discipline related to the assignment. Any equivalence must be thoroughly justified by special competence in the field of knowledge.
I. Continuing Education
Each instructor teaching continuing education courses must have documented special competence such as appropriate accreditation or licensure and/or experience in the subject matter or skill area to be taught.
J. Additional Criteria
In certain fields, instructors must meet program-specific accreditation criteria that may affect minimum standards established by the College.
K. Qualifications for Library Personnel
Professional librarians must hold American Library Association (ALA)-accredited professional degrees at the master’s level in library science or in related fields, such as learning resources or information technology. Professionals with a specialized, non-library degree may be employed, when appropriate, to supervise these areas. Library support staff must have documentation of competence to carry out the responsibilities stated for their positions.