Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

PSY – Psychology Instructor Qualifications

General Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in Psychology (including all specialized degrees with Psychology in the title of the degree)

OR Master’s degree or higher in Counseling (including specialties in MFT, MFCC, CMF)

OR Master’s degree or higher in a Related Area and completion of 30 quarter-hours of graduate credit in a Psychology or Counseling Department.

Related Area degrees include, but are not limited to:

  • Cognitive Science
  • Human Sciences
  • Neuroscience
  • Social or Human Ecology
  • Social Work
  • Human Development

The list of Related Areas may not be inclusive as there are other degree titles that may be appropriate. The Division Dean, in consultation with the Faculty Department Chair (and/or screening committee), will make a recommendation to the Dean of Instruction about the applicability of a particular degree that is outside the scope of these lists.

The SAC may recommend a Master’s degree outside of these qualifications for a special-topic course.

Qualifications that apply to specific courses

PSY 213 – Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience

Meet general instructor qualifications for Psychology (above),

AND

at least 30 quarter/20 semester graduate credit hours in neuroscience topics (such as neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neuroendocrinology, genetics, cognitive neuroscience, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, neuropsychology, comparative biology, and/or other related neuroscience courses)

OR

In addition to the general qualifications, instructor must show evidence* of knowledge and proficiency in neuroscience.

*Acceptable course-specific evidence should be evaluated upon consultation with a subject matter expert. This evidence may include graduate coursework, prior teaching experience, laboratory experience, or professional experience that indicates an acceptable level of proficiency and knowledge needed to teach the course.

PSY 236 – Psychology of Adult Development & Aging:

Meet general instructor qualifications for Psychology (above),

OR

Master’s degree in Gerontology AND at least 30 graduate credit hours in Psychology and/or Human Development.

PSY 240 – Personal Awareness and Growth:

In addition to the general qualifications, instructor must show evidence* of knowledge and proficiency in small-group facilitation and process.

*Acceptable course-specific evidence should be evaluated upon consultation with a subject matter expert. This evidence may include graduate coursework, prior teaching experience, or work experience that indicates an acceptable level of proficiency and knowledge needed to teach the course.

Approved: September 2022

Instructor Qualifications for PSY Prior to March 2019