Academic and Professional Qualifications (A-49)
Original Implementation: April 20, 1999
Last Revision: April 23, 2013
The selection, development, and retention of competent faculty are essential to provide students a high quality education. Stephen F. Austin State University will follow requirements established by accrediting bodies and state agencies.
Full-time and part-time faculty members teaching credit-earning courses leading toward the baccalaureate degree, other than activity courses, must normally have completed at least 18 graduate semester hours in the content discipline and, at a minimum, hold a master's degree from an accredited institution.
Each faculty member teaching courses at the master's degree level must normally hold a terminal degree from an accredited institution, usually the earned doctorate, in the content or related discipline. A master's degree in the content discipline coupled with a doctoral degree in a related discipline may be appropriate. It is the responsibility of the academic unit to justify the master's degree, or master's in the content discipline coupled with a related doctorate, as the terminal degree for faculty members teaching in those disciplines. All faculty members teaching courses at the doctoral degree level must normally hold a terminal degree from an accredited institution in the content or related discipline. Outstanding professional experience and demonstrated contributions to the content discipline may be presented in lieu of formal academic qualifications. In rare cases, graduate faculty who have demonstrated exceptional scholarly or creative activity, or professional experience, but who may not possess the required academic credentials may be considered.
Graduate teaching assistants who have primary responsibility for teaching a course for credit and for assigning final grades must have earned at least 18 graduate semester hours in the content discipline, be under the direct supervision of a faculty member experienced in the content discipline, and be evaluated periodically within the academic unit.
Appropriate documentation and justifications must be provided by the academic unit. Appropriate documentation includes official transcripts and, if applicable for demonstrating competence, official documentation of professional and work experience, technical and performance competency, records of publications, certifications, and other qualifications. All such documentation must be kept current and on file in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Cross Reference: Faculty Handbook; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Terminal Degree (E-73).
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Forms: Faculty Credential Certification
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs