By Discipline/Subject Area: This is the most fundamental categorization. Community colleges offer instruction in virtually every subject area, including but not limited to:
* Arts and Humanities: English Composition, Literature, History, Art History, Philosophy, Music, Theater, Journalism, etc.
* Business and Technology: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, etc.
* STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering (various specializations), Computer Programming, etc.
* Social Sciences: Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Anthropology, etc.
* Health Sciences: Nursing, Medical Assisting, Physical Therapist Assistant, Dental Hygiene, etc. (often requiring specific certifications and licensures)
* Humanities and Education: Early Childhood Education, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, etc.
* Trade and Vocational Programs: Welding, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Plumbing, HVAC, Culinary Arts, etc. (often requiring specific certifications and licenses)
By Appointment Type: The type of appointment impacts the duration and responsibilities of the position:
* Full-time: Typically involves a heavier teaching load (often 4 courses per semester or equivalent) and may include other responsibilities like advising, committee work, and curriculum development. These positions often offer benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
* Part-time/Adjunct: Instructors teach a smaller number of courses (often 1-3 per semester) and typically receive no benefits. They are often hired on a semester-by-semester basis, depending on student enrollment.
* Visiting Professor: A temporary position, usually for a specific period (e.g., a year or a semester), often filled by experienced faculty members who may be taking a sabbatical or seeking a change of scenery.
* Lecturer: Similar to adjunct but may have more responsibilities or a longer-term appointment.
By Rank (less common in community colleges): While community colleges are less hierarchical than four-year institutions, some larger ones may have these distinctions:
* Instructor: The most common title for faculty.
* Assistant Professor: Less common, usually reserved for those with advanced degrees and research accomplishments.
* Associate Professor/Professor: Very rare in community colleges.
It's important to note that specific titles and responsibilities may vary between institutions. To find out what specific instructor positions are available at a particular community college, you should check their official website's employment or careers section.