A professorship represents a high level of expertise in a particular field, involving a combination of teaching and research at the college or university level. The journey to becoming a professor is academically rigorous, and the foundation of this career path is built upon advanced education. The specific educational qualifications needed are directly tied to the type of institution and the academic discipline a prospective professor wishes to enter.
The Standard Educational Path
The most common educational requirement for a professorship is a doctoral degree, which is the terminal degree in most academic fields. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the most prevalent doctorate and serves as the standard for faculty at most four-year colleges and universities. The Ph.D. process is centered on conducting original research and contributing new knowledge to a specific field.
This process culminates in writing and defending a dissertation, a substantial work of original scholarly research. Other specialized doctorates also serve as terminal degrees in certain areas. For example, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is common for professors of education, and a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) is tailored for business faculty.
The path to a doctorate begins with a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is often the next step, providing deeper specialization and serving as a prerequisite for most doctoral programs. However, some programs admit exceptional students directly from their undergraduate studies. The entire sequence, from bachelor’s degree to a completed doctorate, can take a decade or more.
How Requirements Vary by Institution
The educational requirements for a professorship depend on the institution’s mission. At community colleges, the emphasis is on teaching rather than scholarly research. Consequently, a master’s degree in the subject area is frequently the minimum requirement for faculty positions, though a doctorate is valued.
At four-year colleges focused on undergraduate teaching, a doctorate is the expected credential. These schools place a greater emphasis on a candidate’s teaching portfolio and ability to engage with students. While research is a component of the job, it may not carry the same weight as it does at a major research university.
At major research universities, such as R1 institutions, a doctorate is required. These institutions are at the forefront of generating new knowledge, and their faculty are expected to be active researchers. For these positions, a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree is necessary, supplemented by a strong record of scholarly output that often begins with postdoctoral research.
Degree Expectations Across Different Academic Fields
While the Ph.D. is standard in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, the definition of a terminal degree differs in other fields. The required credential is often shaped by the professional practices of the specific discipline an aspiring professor intends to teach.
In creative and performing arts like creative writing, theater, and visual arts, the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is widely accepted as the terminal degree. The focus in these programs is on creating a substantial body of original work rather than a research-based dissertation. The MFA is considered the highest credential for practitioners and, therefore, for those who teach future artists.
In professional fields like business and law, the path to a professorship can differ. A master’s degree combined with extensive professional experience can be a viable alternative to a Ph.D. For example, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a long corporate career can lead to a position in a business school. A Juris Doctor (JD) with significant legal experience is a standard qualification for law professors. For medical schools, an M.D. or D.O. is required, paired with clinical practice and research experience.
Qualifications Beyond the Academic Degree
Securing a professorship requires more than the appropriate degree. A competitive candidate must demonstrate a broader range of qualifications, including:
- A record of scholarly research and publication. This is especially important for positions at research-focused universities and involves publishing original work in peer-reviewed academic journals. This process demonstrates a candidate’s ability to contribute new insights to their field and often begins during doctoral studies.
- Experience presenting research at academic conferences. These events allow scholars to share their work, receive feedback, and network with others in their discipline. This activity signals that a candidate is an active participant in the scholarly conversation of their field.
- Teaching experience is a significant factor in hiring decisions. Aspiring professors often gain this as graduate teaching assistants or adjunct instructors. This experience builds a teaching portfolio, including syllabi and student evaluations, that can be presented to hiring committees.
- A history of securing grants and external funding, which is a major advantage in research-intensive fields. The ability to obtain funding shows that a researcher’s work is considered valuable by funding agencies. This is important at universities where faculty are expected to support their research programs through external grants.