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[07_pdr]

I've went through a search and haven't found something that quite asks this question, so I'm going to ask it in a new thread.

Long term (meaning over the next 5 years), I would like to find a position either at a community college or public university stressing undergraduate education.  This thread pertains more to the former.  I have a Ph.D. in Physics and B.S. in Mathematics.  I have 8 graduate credit hours in Chemical Engineering, 3 in Polymer Science and 0 (zero) in mathematics.  I currently am an adjunct instructor at the local CC in physics and have spent 10 years as an engineer/scientist at a high-tech company.

Given that math CC jobs are more prevelant than physics (or engineering) and often I've seen physics tied to alternative fields (either math or chemistry), I've been considering getting myself in the position to be able to teach math.  There are gaps in my background that could be closed through additional education (especially around probability/statistics and geometry), so taking additional classwork in math would be useful. 

In the opinion of the people here, is getting a background that can handle multiple fields useful to obtain a position?  If so, what would be the best path (getting the 18 graduate hours in math or actually getting a masters in mathematics)?  And how would a masters in mathematics education be percived?

I appreciate the input.

[zuzu_]

I am not in Math or Physics, but I am at CC that LOVES Physics faculty who can do double duty in Math. I don't think the actual Masters is necessary, as long as you meet the accreditation guidelines of 18 grad credit hours or whatever. Since SO MANY CC math courses are "developmental," I am guessing a math ed background would be an asset too.

[georgiaprof]

I am in physics - and yes - CC's love Physics/Math folks.  We don't have a full-time physicist here because that person couldn't put together a teaching load.  You will need 18 hours in MATH courses. The Master's in math likely won't make a difference.  I would shy away from math education.  For some institutions it wouldn't be a problem at all.  For others, it would prevent you from being employable in math depending on how strictly they interpret the accreditation standards.  At my current institution, you 'd be eligible for  certificate level math courses and LS with just the BS.  The math ed degree wouldn't really help.  18 hours in math puts you in transfer level courses (mostly algebra).

I would chat with some of the local institutions about what courses would be best.  Generally - CC's will be teaching Algebra and Statistics.  They will also do pre-calculus, calculus and may delve into linear algebra and differential equations (NOT often).  In a former life I was a math/science chair and I would have given my right arm for a person who could teach physics, calculus and statistics.  YMMV.