Athens State University offers junior and senior level course work leading to the baccalaureate degree and employs competent faculty qualified for that academic mission. Faculty members at Athens State University have appropriate academic preparation. ASU policy (Employee Handbook, Section 6.2) stipulates a master’s degree as the minimum credential for faculty members. All faculty hired must have a minimum of a master’s degree in the appropriate discipline, and preference is to be given to candidates possessing a terminal degree unless exigent circumstances exist. In addition to this primary requirement, the institution also considers competence, effectiveness, related work experiences, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, documented excellence in teaching, and other competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching. Additional qualifications are evaluated through the assessment of educational background and professional and academic accomplishments. All full-time and part-time faculty at Athens State University meet the degree standards as defined above.

• Full-time faculty hired must have a doctorate or master’s degree in the teaching discipline (or master’s degree with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline). Full-time faculty are hired using a committee process with recommendations made to the President. The President interviews candidates and selects the new faculty member adhering to the hiring process including appropriate qualifications. See the Employee Handbook, Section 6.3.


• Part-time faculty must have a master’s degree with a concentration in the appropriate discipline or a master’s degree with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline. Credentials of part-time instructors are reviewed and approved by the appropriate college dean and forwarded, along with an Adjunct Credential Approval Form with appropriate transcripts, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for final approval.


• The Office of Academic Affairs maintains credential files (College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education) on all full-time and part-time faculty teaching at Athens State University. This office ensures that all official transcripts and documentation of exceptional merit are contained in the individual faculty member’s credential files.