What Is an Online Computer Science Instructor and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As an online computer science instructor, your job is to teach remote students how to code software from a remote location. In this role, you may explain different programming techniques, manage a live virtual classroom, and adjust lessons to account for the unique learning needs of each student. This job comes in two major forms. The first type holds classes for students who are together in a school classroom somewhere, while the second type teaches students who study from home or another remote location. Online computer science instructors must stay current with recent developments in programming and find current examples to help students understand programming better.

The primary qualifications for becoming an online computer science instructor are a master's degree and several years of programming experience. Some schools accept applicants who only have a bachelor's degree, especially for high school or other introductory classes, but most strongly prefer the master's degree. A doctorate in computer science is optional but helpful if you want to pursue a senior faculty position. Depending on the area, you may also need a teaching license or certificate. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of an online computer science instructor requires leadership skills, communication skills, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to find flaws in programming code written by others.