Policy Statement

The academic qualification for appointment to a tenure-track position is the established terminal degree in which the faculty member will teach. Exceptions may be made by the Provost upon recommendation of the Dean.

Reason for Policy

To establish terminal degree requirements for faculty appointment and tenure

To Whom Does the Policy Apply

Full-time faculty appointed in tenure-track positions

Related Documents

• Procedure
• List of terminal degrees

Contacts

Office of the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs
(201) 684-7529

The following guidelines apply to the educational qualifications for tenure track hire at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

1. Possession of an earned doctorate from an accredited institution in all fields where the doctoral degree is the terminal degree is required for appointment to a tenure track position. In interdisciplinary fields, the doctoral degree requirement may be met by possession of a doctorate in a related field or in an interdisciplinary subject. The faculty member has demonstrated preparation to offer instruction in a teaching discipline although the faculty member may possess the doctorate in another discipline.
2. In the event an individual is appointed to tenure track status without completing the doctoral degree, the letter of appointment shall clearly stipulate the date by which the terminal degree must be completed.
3. In fields where the masters or some other degree is considered the terminal degree for that field (e.g., the Master of Fine Arts or the Master of Library Science the appropriate degree will satisfy the educational qualification for tenure track appointment. Decisions regarding whether or not a specialized degree is the terminal degree for a particular field shall be based upon documented national or international standards, e.g., those set by professional associations or accrediting agencies.
4. Exceptions to the requirements of the earned doctorate or other recognized terminal degree may be made by the President in consultation with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, but only upon the recommendation of the school and convening group. One or more of the following circumstances may justify approval of an exception to the requirement of the doctorate.
5. Exceptional individuals may be hired on tenure track status who do not possess the doctorate or appropriate terminal degree. Recommendations to hire individuals who do not possess the doctorate or appropriate terminal degree must be accompanied by documentation of the combination of formal training and scholarly work which provides clear evidence of scholarly or creative attainments equivalent to the level of a doctorate or appropriate terminal degree. The evaluation of academic background should consider pre- and post-doctoral fellowships, scholarship, professional certifications, academic honors received, formal training, creative work, or other pertinent attainments. The dean and convener will review the documentation of educational qualifications noted above.
6. Each recommendation to hire an individual on tenure track status shall include a review of the educational qualifications of the proposed candidate by the Office of Affirmative Action and Workplace Compliance for degree verification and the dean and convener for educational documentation.
7. Educational degree requirements for appointment to a tenure track position must be clearly stated in the vacancy announcement.
8. The attached list describes the required terminal degrees by program and school.

The following list describes the required terminal degrees by school and program (majors, minors, and concentrations).

Terminal Degree Requirement for Faculty Appointment and Tenure

Exceptions may be made based on curricular need and dean’s recommendation to the provost. Other terminal degrees exist, for equivalency, see Faculty Handbook. Section IV-6, Qualifications for Rank: “. . . appropriate terminal degree required for reappointment with tenure” and “equivalence of degree or prior experience.” .

Faculty Handbook