How to Become a College Professor: 5 Steps

Do you have a deep interest in a particular field or academic subject? How would you like to teach your area of expertise to the next generation of professionals?

In this article, we'll talk about how to become a college professor and give you a five-step process you can follow to reach your career goals.

What Does a College Professor Do?

A college professor provides undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate instruction to students in a particular field or subject.

Many professors also conduct and publish original research in their area of expertise, develop curricula, and assist in various administrative activities.

Common job duties of college professors include:

• preparing and delivering lectures and other course materials
• tutoring and advising students
• grading assignments
• serving on committees
• attending seminars and conferences

College professors almost always work at colleges, community colleges, and universities, both public and private. Some may also work at vocational or trade schools.

College professors typically work full-time hours, though overtime is often required.

What Skills and Qualities Does a College Professor Need to Have?

College professors must have a deep understanding of and interest in a particular subject, as their professional career revolves around teaching and researching this subject.

They must be able to effectively communicate complex ideas to struggling students and those learning the material for the first time. They should be patient, understanding, and willing to answer questions.

They must also have strong interpersonal skills, as they spend a lot of time interacting with students, school administrators, and other professionals. They should have a strong love of teaching.

They must be well organized and skilled at time management.

They need to have strong critical-thinking skills whether in the lab or in the classroom. They must be good problem-solvers to figure out the best ways to convey information to their students.

Finally, college professors must be adaptable. They must be able to stay on top of changes in education and culture, as well as developments within their area of specialization.

So, are you ready to become a college professor? The path is long and requires a great deal of patience and perseverance. Here are the steps you'll need to take:

Step 1: Get a Bachelor's Degree

As you might imagine, teaching college-level courses requires years of college-level education. The first step on your educational journey is to graduate with a bachelor's degree.

You can major in any subject you like. If you know what subject you want to teach, you could major in that field. For example, an aspiring history professor might choose to major in history.

Many future college professors get their bachelor's degree in a broader, more generic field, such as communications, natural sciences, or engineering.

If you study full-time, you will most likely graduate with your bachelor's degree in about four years.

Step 2: Obtain a Master's Degree

After completing a bachelor's degree, some aspiring professors move straight into a doctoral degree program. However, many complete a master's degree first.

Master's degree programs provide additional years of study which can help a student choose an area of focus or deepen their knowledge of a particular subject.

It is possible to become a professor with only a master's degree. Some community colleges hire professors with this credential.

Choose a master's degree program that best fits your professional goals. This is the time to really begin figuring out what you want to teach and focusing on that subject.

Depending on the subject, it can take anywhere from one to three years of full-time study to graduate with your master's degree.

Step 3: Gain Teaching Experience as a Teacher's Assistant

Getting a master's degree provides another benefit, it makes you eligible to become a teacher's assistant. This is a great way to gain introductory teaching experience in a college setting.

Teacher's assistants are responsible for helping professors lead classroom sessions and perform other duties. They often have opportunities to deliver lectures, conduct research, and grade assignments.

Not only do teacher's assistants gain crucial real-world experience. In many cases, they also gain credit toward a doctoral degree and tuition assistance.

As you might imagine, teacher's assistant positions are highly competitive, so it's important to apply for open positions as soon as possible and demonstrate a superior academic record.

Step 4: Complete a Doctoral Degree

Most aspiring college professors will need to obtain a doctoral degree before they can begin applying for open positions.

The type of doctoral degree you choose will depend upon your area of specialization. In many cases, aspiring professors obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in their chosen field.

Doctoral students will participate in classroom experiences, conduct their own research, and write and defend their dissertation. They may also have opportunities to participate in residencies, fellowships, and other educational opportunities.

Most doctoral degrees require about four to seven years of full-time study to complete.

Step 5: Pursue Necessary Certifications and Licenses

Lastly, you may need to earn professional certifications in your area of expertise before you can start providing instruction in the field.

For example, an aspiring nursing professor may need to become a registered nurse first. Someone wanting to teach early childhood education may need to obtain relevant teaching licenses and certifications.

Certifications are typically required for those teaching vocational courses as opposed to purely academic courses. A biology professor, for example, may not need to pursue certification or licensure.

That said, many aspiring professors pursue certification simply to improve their credibility or their chances of getting hired.

Find out what specific certifications and licenses are required or preferred to teach your specialization. Once you have obtained the necessary credentials, you're ready to begin working as a college professor.

Start the Path to Becoming a College Professor Today

Becoming a college professor takes time, patience, and a lot of time in the classroom as a student. Those who stick it out often find an enjoyable and rewarding career.