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How To Find Online College Teaching And Faculty Positions

By Chris Kolmar
Jul. 29, 2022
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

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How to Secure Online College Teaching and Faculty Positions in 2026

As remote work continues to gain traction, online teaching positions have surged in popularity. The growth of online education has evolved from a temporary solution to a staple in modern learning environments.

If you’re considering a role as an online educator, now is an excellent time to dive into this expanding field. Many educational institutions are increasingly integrating online components into their programs, while established online schools are in high demand for skilled instructors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Online teaching shares similarities with traditional classroom instruction, yet it presents unique advantages and challenges.

  • Explore specialized job boards for education roles or reach out to local colleges that may require online educators.

  • Positions available in online college teaching include both adjunct professors and online instructors.

how to find online college teaching and faculty positions

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Where to Look for Online College Teaching Positions

Begin your search for online education careers on Zippia.com, which frequently lists a variety of remote teaching opportunities. For additional options, consider the following resources:

Types of Online College Teaching Positions

  • Adjunct Professor

    Becoming an Adjunct Professor is a common entry point into online education. Adjuncts are typically hired on a part-time, contract basis and perform similar duties to full-time faculty, including curriculum planning, lesson preparation, grading, and student meetings.

    The role offers significant flexibility, making it an ideal entry-level position for aspiring educators. While educational requirements may vary, expertise in the subject area is essential.

    However, job security can be a concern, as adjunct positions often lack the stability of full-time roles, and competition can be intense.

  • Online Instructor

    Serving as an Online Instructor shares many similarities with traditional teaching roles. While educational requirements are generally consistent, demonstrating proficiency in online teaching is crucial.

    Most online instructors hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with many possessing advanced degrees. Depending on the institution, a focus on pedagogy may not be mandatory if you have strong subject matter expertise.

    Online instructors typically enjoy full employee benefits and the freedom to work from anywhere. However, effective communication with students is paramount, often requiring more effort than traditional classroom instruction.

Top Online Colleges to Consider

The following institutions are renowned for their strong online presence and commitment to quality education. Many of these schools offer flexible teaching opportunities and cater to a diverse student base.

  1. Ohio State University-Columbus

    The Ohio State University consistently ranks among the top online colleges, offering over 40 online degree programs and certificates, indicating ongoing growth and demand for faculty.

  2. University of Illinois-Chicago

    The University of Illinois-Chicago has seen significant growth and is recognized as one of the best values in online education. They provide online programs to 49 states and the District of Columbia, prioritizing user-friendly systems and flexible schedules.

  3. University of Florida

    The University of Florida is known for its high-quality online programs, with a current emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence across its curriculum, benefiting both students and instructors.

  4. Purdue University

    Purdue University remains a leader in online education, particularly for engineering programs, offering over 200 hybrid and online courses that create numerous teaching opportunities.

  5. Indiana University-Bloomington

    The Indiana University-Bloomington is noted for its MBA program and extensive online course offerings that appeal to diverse student interests.

  6. Carnegie Mellon University Tepper

    The Carnegie Mellon University is recognized for its robust business programs, presenting opportunities for qualified online faculty in a prestigious environment.

  7. Florida International University

    Florida International University boasts over 100 fully online degree programs, showcasing their commitment to accessible education supported by financial aid and student success coaching.

  8. Oklahoma State University

    Oklahoma State University offers a comprehensive range of online undergraduate and graduate programs, making it an attractive option for both students and instructors.

  9. Mercer University

    Known for its quality, Mercer University is a nationally recognized online institution that offers flexible scheduling and a variety of programs.

  10. University of Illinois at Springfield

    The University of Illinois at Springfield emphasizes convenience and quality in distance learning, making it an excellent choice for aspiring online educators.

  11. Mary Baldwin University

    Mary Baldwin University is known for its student-focused approach, offering affordable online programs and a strong reputation in Virginia.

  12. Johns Hopkins University

    The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering offers excellent part-time education opportunities for both students and prospective online educators.

Don’t Overlook Local Institutions

While the colleges mentioned are notable national institutions, local universities are also valuable sources for online teaching roles. The pandemic has underscored the importance of robust online learning programs, prompting many schools to enhance their virtual offerings, which means more opportunities for educators.

Even if remote work is the norm, many institutions still prefer local candidates. Therefore, exploring nearby colleges can yield fruitful results, especially if you aim to secure an adjunct position.

To maximize your chances of landing an online teaching role, leverage multiple avenues in your job search. Regularly check Zippia.com for updates, and remain proactive in your networking efforts.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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