If a degree is required for the position, must the degree requirements be completed by the time the applicant applies?
Degree requirements completed by the time of application is the rule for administrative staff positions. However, in the faculty ranks, even if the advertisement said a Ph.D. was required, it is acceptable for the successful candidate to be ABD. However, faculty who are hired ABD typically begin employment on a terminal contract instead of a probationary one and are expected to complete the degree requirements by the end of that first academic contract. If ABD applicants will not be accepted, state that understanding in the advertisements.
