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Political science instructor vs adjunct lecturer

The differences between political science instructors and adjunct lecturers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an adjunct lecturer has an average salary of $79,657, which is higher than the $56,669 average annual salary of a political science instructor.

The top three skills for a political science instructor include international relations, syllabus and comparative politics. The most important skills for an adjunct lecturer are C++, undergraduate courses, and syllabus.

Political science instructor vs adjunct lecturer overview

Political Science InstructorAdjunct Lecturer
Yearly salary$56,669$79,657
Hourly rate$27.24$38.30
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs39,34426,546
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4646
Years of experience2-

What does a political science instructor do?

Political science instructors must have an undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree, though some community colleges will hire teachers with a master's degree. This career requires skills in critical thinking, interpersonal, speaking, and writing. Political science instructors are responsible for preparing and delivering undergraduate and graduate lectures on politics-related issues such as political thought, international relations, democracy, and citizenship. They are also responsible for evaluating and grading student work.

What does an adjunct lecturer do?

An Adjunct Lecturer is responsible for teaching college classes. They prepare course guides, teach content that matches courses standards, and assist students with inquiries outside of class.

Political science instructor vs adjunct lecturer salary

Political science instructors and adjunct lecturers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Political Science InstructorAdjunct Lecturer
Average salary$56,669$79,657
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $89,000Between $42,000 And $149,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companyLoyola University MarylandJohns Hopkins University
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between political science instructor and adjunct lecturer education

There are a few differences between a political science instructor and an adjunct lecturer in terms of educational background:

Political Science InstructorAdjunct Lecturer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorPolitical ScienceEnglish
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityCarnegie Mellon University

Political science instructor vs adjunct lecturer demographics

Here are the differences between political science instructors' and adjunct lecturers' demographics:

Political Science InstructorAdjunct Lecturer
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 59.4% Female, 40.6%Male, 50.5% Female, 49.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 12.8% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 12.8% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between political science instructor and adjunct lecturer duties and responsibilities

Political science instructor example responsibilities.

  • Update and follow approved course syllabus.
  • Develop course work programs adopt by HCC student handbook.
  • Develop syllabus, teach all areas of political science, create tests and homework assignments, grading, etc.
  • Publish an article on legal reform in Kazakhstan analyzing legal aspects of the foreign investment climate in the country.
  • Develop language and teaching skills of international graduate teaching assistants for successful delivery of content cross culturally.
  • Prepare political science materials and present them through PowerPoint.
  • Show more

Adjunct lecturer example responsibilities.

  • Develop the course syllabus to achieve personal and departmental proficiency and performance goals.
  • Instruct respiratory therapy and medical assistant students on human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and the pathological basis of diseases.
  • Prepare lesson plans for freshman seminar course.
  • Teach pure and apply mathematics to engineering students.
  • Conduct the student teaching seminar for prospective teaching candidates.
  • Instruct practical sessions and labs for courses in human physiology and environmental chemistry.
  • Show more

Political science instructor vs adjunct lecturer skills

Common political science instructor skills
  • International Relations, 19%
  • Syllabus, 10%
  • Comparative Politics, 10%
  • Public Policy, 10%
  • Public Administration, 7%
  • Economics, 7%
Common adjunct lecturer skills
  • C++, 10%
  • Undergraduate Courses, 8%
  • Syllabus, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 7%
  • Mathematics, 5%
  • Course Syllabus, 5%

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