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How To Find Online College Teaching Jobs

By Kristin Kizer
Dec. 7, 2020
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

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How to Find Online College Teaching Jobs in 2026

The demand for online teaching jobs continues to grow, driven by the increasing acceptance of remote work and the continued evolution of educational technology. Online education has solidified its position as a vital component of the learning landscape, with many institutions expanding their online offerings.

As we move through 2026, online education is not just a trend—it’s a critical part of higher education. Many schools are enhancing their curricula with robust online components, while established online institutions are experiencing unprecedented enrollment growth. This surge presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to enter the online teaching profession.

If you’re considering a career in online education, there are various pathways and job types available to you.

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Adjunct Professor

An Adjunct Professor position is a popular entry point into the online education field. Adjunct professors are typically hired on a contractual basis and work part-time. Their responsibilities mirror those of full-time faculty, including curriculum development, lesson planning, grading, and student meetings.

The flexibility of this role is a significant advantage, making it an excellent way to gain experience in teaching. While it often requires less formal education than full-time positions, having expertise in your subject area is essential.

However, job security can be a concern for adjunct instructors. The competition is fierce, and while you may be expected to perform at the same level as full-time professors, compensation tends to be lower.

Online Instructor

Becoming an Online Instructor is akin to teaching in a traditional classroom, with similar educational requirements. However, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to teach effectively in an online environment.

Most online instructors hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and many possess advanced degrees. Depending on the institution, a specialization in education may not be necessary, provided you have relevant field experience.

Online instructors typically enjoy benefits comparable to full-time university staff, with the added advantage of location independence. However, effective communication with students is crucial, often requiring even more engagement than in a physical classroom setting.

Where to Look for Online College Jobs

The best starting point for your online education job search is Zippia.com, which regularly features remote education opportunities. Here are additional platforms to explore:

Top Online Colleges to Consider

Many institutions have established strong online programs and are actively hiring. Here are some top-ranked colleges with a long-standing commitment to online education:

  1. Ohio State University-Columbus in Columbus, Ohio

    Ohio State University consistently ranks highly in online education, offering over 40 online degree programs and certificates, indicating a robust demand for instructors.

  2. University of Illinois-Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

    Recognized by U.S. News for its growth and value, UIC offers online programs to students across the country, with a focus on flexible schedules.

  3. University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida

    The University of Florida is known for its strong online programs and innovative use of artificial intelligence in education, enhancing the online learning experience.

  4. Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana

    Purdue offers over 200 hybrid and online programs, making it a prime institution for prospective instructors.

  5. Indiana University-Bloomington in Bloomington, Indiana

    With a strong MBA program and diverse online offerings, Indiana University provides ample teaching opportunities.

  6. Carnegie Mellon University Tepper in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    Carnegie Mellon is expanding its online business education options, making it a great place for business instructors.

  7. Florida International University in Miami, Florida

    With over 100 fully online degree programs, FIU is committed to providing accessible education and support for online students.

  8. Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma

    OSU offers a comprehensive online experience with numerous degree options and programs tailored for military students.

  9. Mercer University in Macon, Georgia

    Mercer is known for its commitment to online education and offers a range of programs with flexible start dates.

  10. University of Illinois at Springfield in Springfield, Illinois

    UIS prioritizes flexibility in distance learning while maintaining high-quality instruction, making it an attractive option for instructors.

  11. Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia

    Mary Baldwin is recognized for its student-centric approach and offers affordable online classes, enhancing its appeal for both students and faculty.

  12. Johns Hopkins University in Whiting, Maryland

    The Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins provides quality education in a flexible format, perfect for adjunct instructors.

Don’t Overlook Local Institutions

While national institutions are increasingly remote-friendly, local schools also present valuable opportunities. The pandemic highlighted the necessity of robust online learning programs, prompting many local colleges to expand their online offerings.

Even if a position is entirely remote, local candidates may have an advantage in the hiring process. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to explore nearby colleges and universities, especially if you aim to become an adjunct faculty member.

In your pursuit of online teaching roles, remember that while institutional listings are a great starting point, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Today’s recruitment managers are seeking innovative ways to attract talent, so regularly checking platforms like Zippia.com for job postings can significantly enhance your chances of landing a position.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.

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