Unlike elementary and high school teachers, college professors typically do not require a teaching certification. Academic professors within colleges and universities are required to complete postsecondary education and training. However, depending on your specific subject, you may need an occupational certification.
Overview of Postsecondary Educators
Postsecondary educators are employed within the public and private colleges and universities, as well as technical and vocational schools. They have expertise in a specific subject area. They might hold titles such as instructor, assistant professor or professor, and they are hired on a part-time or full-time basis. The title a postsecondary educator carries depends on several factors, such as degree level, work experience and other professional designations, such as certification. Some college professors obtain tenure, or a full-time contract, following a probationary period of several years. Instructors are frequently part-time educators within technical, vocational and community colleges.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutPostsecondaryTeachers">Important Facts About Postsecondary Teachers</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $78,160 (<i>for postsecondary teachers, all other</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 12% (<i>for postsecondary teachers, in general</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td> Critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, resourcefulness</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td> Postsecondary administrators, career and technical education teachers</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---RequirementsForACollegeProfessor">Requirements for a College Professor</h3><p>Teaching within a postsecondary educational institution commonly requires holding a minimum of a graduate degree in your area of expertise. The degree requirement can vary depending on the institution, subject or position. For example, some technical or vocational schools might only require a bachelor's or master's degree with related work experience to obtain a part-time instructor position. However, a full-time professorship at a university frequently requires a doctoral degree, stated the BLS.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificationOptions">Certification Options</h3><p>Holding a postsecondary teaching position doesn't require you to obtain teaching certification, such as you would need to be an elementary or high school teacher. College professors and instructors might, however, be required to hold a professional certification in their area of expertise, but this can vary depending upon the subject and institution.
</p><p>If you need professional certification to work in a specific industry or field, a postsecondary institution might prefer you to have that certification. For instance, accounting professors or instructors might need a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, or individuals wanting to teach aspiring elementary or high school teachers may need teaching certification and state licensure. You might also find that certification is mandatory for positions within technical or vocational schools, such as maintenance technology or refrigeration technology.</p>
