What does it take to become a college professor?

Question

I really want to become a college professor. I was wondering do you have to be a high school teacher first or what else to give you experience?

Answer 1

In most schools you need at least a Master's degree in the field you want to teach in. If you want to teach full-time and get a tenured position, then you need a doctorate if such a degree exists in your field (they do in most fields). Unfortunately, you usually don't need any experience to become a professor, just a degree.

At most universities, all the professors must do research - in fact usually the research is the most important part of their job, and teaching is secondary (although still important). Some smaller colleges (without a graduate program) don't require their professors to do research - it varies from place to place.

I'm a physics and astronomy professor at a small state college. I have a Master's in Astronomy. With my background, they hired me on a tenure-track position, where I would get tenure in 5 years. BUT I had to have a doctorate in order to get tenure. Usually they wouldn't have even hired someone without a Ph.D., but I have a lot of other experiences and knowledge that the college really desired, so they made an exception for me. At my school, professors do not need to do research. At our state University, however, professors do have to do research. They have longer to get tenure, but they have to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in order to get tenure.

Answer 2

I'd say get a Master's a least, Ph.D. preferably. Some of my professors are adjunct professors: they teach a few classes but have another main career. Also, some professors have tenure at a university where they can do research as long and teach a few classes. So to be a college professor, try to get an advanced degree in your subject, and just apply for an opening at a college.

Answer 3

You must have a masters degree, even for community colleges. You do not need an education degree. In fact, I took one education course becaus I thought it might help--it was the biggest waste of time. You just need a degree in your pure topic (mine is in English, and I love it). Also, you'll want to do well enough as an undergrad to get a teaching assistantship as a grad student. This will help a lot. After you get 18 hours of coursework in grad school, the university will let you start teaching, if you have a teaching assistantship. Then, you can start applying to PhD programs, if you want to go that far. In order to get full-time positions, you really need a PhD. They do hire some full-time M.A.'s, but not many. I do recommend English because all universities hire composition teachers nearly every semester/quarter. You'd never be out of a job.

Answer 4

You can teach college with a Master's degree, but to be a professor, you need to do research in a doctoral program and write a thesis. You do NOT have to be a high school teacher first, but you could either choose to major in the subject (like math for example) or in education (such as secondary math education). Hope that helps!

Answer 5

RE:
What does it take to become a college professor?
I really want to become a college professor. I was wondering do you have to be a high school teacher first or what else to give you experience?

Answer 6

No, most colleges don't want someone with an education degree, unless you're teaching college education school courses. You'll need a Masters or doctorate degree in your field of study. Some teaching as a graduate assistant while getting your degree helps prepare you, but isn't necessary to be considered for a job. Best of luck.

Answer 7

Usually A Masters/PhD, some community colleges will let you teach with less than a masters.

Answer 8

You need a masters degree in related field you are wanting to teach.

Answer 9

You need the following qualifications and experiences:

-a doctorate (PhD), preferably with postgraduate research experience
-thesis published in journals
-preferably some teaching experience
-able to lecture, teach and do research, attend seminars, meetings
-some administrative abilities

Cheers to your studies!

Answer 10

A degree