6 answers
Owen
Student
Delavan, Wisconsin
2
Questions
Updated
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What classes did you take in college to become a professor?
What majors can you take in college to become a professor?
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6 answers
Anasa Lattibeaudaire
Career Counselor
24
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Anasa’s Answer
Hi Owen,
That's awesome! Becoming a professor is an excellent career choice for sharing your enthusiasm and expertise with students.
The following are general steps you should consider to become a professor:
- Undergraduate Education: You can start by earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The specific major will depend on the discipline you want to teach.
- Graduate Education: Many aspiring professors pursue a master's degree in their field of study to gain more advanced knowledge and research experience.
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent): Most professors hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent research doctorate in their field. This degree typically involves advanced coursework and original research.
- Teaching Experience: While pursuing your Ph.D., you may have opportunities to work as a teaching assistant, helping professors with teaching undergraduate courses.
- Job Application and Interview Preparation: Once you have gained teaching experience, I suggest seeking faculty positions, such as assistant professor or lecturer, at universities or colleges. Prepare for interviews and demonstrate your expertise in your field.
- Tenure-Track Position: If hired, you may start as an assistant professor on a tenure track. This means you'll work toward gaining tenure, which often requires demonstrating excellence in teaching, research, and service to the institution. Also, gaining tenure means is a form of job security and academic status that provides certain protections and privileges as a professor.
- Continued Professional Development: Throughout your career as a professor, you should continue to publish research, teach effectively, and engage in service to the academic community.
Be sure to visit https://work.chron.com/having-tenure-mean-20689.html to learn more about tenure and becoming a professor.
That's awesome! Becoming a professor is an excellent career choice for sharing your enthusiasm and expertise with students.
The following are general steps you should consider to become a professor:
- Undergraduate Education: You can start by earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The specific major will depend on the discipline you want to teach.
- Graduate Education: Many aspiring professors pursue a master's degree in their field of study to gain more advanced knowledge and research experience.
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent): Most professors hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent research doctorate in their field. This degree typically involves advanced coursework and original research.
- Teaching Experience: While pursuing your Ph.D., you may have opportunities to work as a teaching assistant, helping professors with teaching undergraduate courses.
- Job Application and Interview Preparation: Once you have gained teaching experience, I suggest seeking faculty positions, such as assistant professor or lecturer, at universities or colleges. Prepare for interviews and demonstrate your expertise in your field.
- Tenure-Track Position: If hired, you may start as an assistant professor on a tenure track. This means you'll work toward gaining tenure, which often requires demonstrating excellence in teaching, research, and service to the institution. Also, gaining tenure means is a form of job security and academic status that provides certain protections and privileges as a professor.
- Continued Professional Development: Throughout your career as a professor, you should continue to publish research, teach effectively, and engage in service to the academic community.
Be sure to visit https://work.chron.com/having-tenure-mean-20689.html to learn more about tenure and becoming a professor.
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Owen,
The classes you take to become a professor depends on what profession you want to teach in. For example, someone who wants to be a biology professor would look to gain an undergraduate degree in biology and a PhD in biology. But someone who wants to be a professor in mathematics would look to gain degrees in math. More often than not, becoming a professor requires having research experience in your desired teaching profession.
Best of luck to you!
The classes you take to become a professor depends on what profession you want to teach in. For example, someone who wants to be a biology professor would look to gain an undergraduate degree in biology and a PhD in biology. But someone who wants to be a professor in mathematics would look to gain degrees in math. More often than not, becoming a professor requires having research experience in your desired teaching profession.
Best of luck to you!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Owen, actually I didn't take undergraduate classes that led me to becoming a professor, nor did I take them in graduate school. What I did was develop practical expertise in my field, which happened to have been Early Childhood Education. Personally, I believe that all college instructors should have taken classes in Education, because it's not enough to know what to teach, one also has to know how to teach. But, sadly, they're generally not a requirement. There are levels of college teachers, starting with Instructor, and moving to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and full Professor. One has to take extra credits and, in most cases, be published, to rise in the ranks. but to answer your question, one needs to complete undergraduate study, and then get a Master's degree. At that point, one might be able to teach at a community college; it depends on the discipline one's teaching. To reach full Professor, a Doctorate is usually required. So, to start, what field do you want to become expert enough in to be able to teach it at the College level? It's a long process, of learning, researching and experience, but it's very rewarding.
Erin Hartnett
Implementation Project Manager
4
Answers
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Embarking on your master's degree journey, a beneficial step to gain firsthand experience about faculty life is to consider becoming a graduate teaching assistant or a graduate research assistant. This opportunity will enable you to work closely with faculty members, providing you a unique perspective on how college departments operate internally. Collaborating with faculty members can significantly boost your networking efforts as you delve into research. A lot of research papers are the product of combined ideas from a team of researchers. Having a group to share and discuss ideas with can greatly enhance the strength of your arguments.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Owen from Delavan, Wisconsin, this is Jim, also known as James, hailing from the Eastern Seaboard of Australia. I'm here to help answer your question!
You're curious about the college majors one should pursue to become a professor, right?
Well, to become a professor, one typically needs to follow the path of higher education, leading up to a doctoral degree in their chosen area of expertise. The specific subjects studied in college can vary widely, depending on the academic discipline and the requirements of the doctoral program. However, there are some common courses that many future professors might take during their college years.
1. Undergraduate Courses:
In their undergraduate years, those who aspire to become professors usually complete a bachelor's degree in their chosen field. The specific subjects studied will depend on the major or area of study. For instance, someone who wants to become a biology professor might take courses like general biology, genetics, ecology, and biochemistry. Similarly, a future history professor might study world history, American history, European history, and historiography.
2. Graduate Courses:
Upon completing their undergraduate degree, those aiming to become professors usually continue their education at the graduate level by joining a doctoral program. These programs are highly specialized and aim to develop advanced knowledge and research skills in a specific field. The curriculum in graduate school is designed to give students a deep understanding of their subject area and prepare them for independent research and teaching roles.
The specific subjects studied during graduate school can vary widely depending on the discipline and the individual's research interests. However, some common types of courses that doctoral students might take include:
- Core Courses: These are foundational courses that provide an overview of the field and cover essential concepts and theories. They help students develop a strong theoretical framework for their research. For example, in a psychology doctoral program, core courses might include cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and research methods.
- Specialized Courses: These courses delve deeper into specific subfields or topics within the discipline. They allow students to gain expertise in their area of interest and explore current research trends. For instance, a doctoral student in physics might take specialized courses in quantum mechanics, astrophysics, or particle physics.
- Research Methods and Statistics: These courses focus on teaching students the necessary skills to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and interpret results. They provide training in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, statistical analysis, and experimental design. Professors need a strong foundation in research methods to conduct their own studies and guide their students' research projects.
In addition to coursework, aspiring professors also engage in independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This research culminates in the completion of a doctoral dissertation, which is a significant contribution to the field of study.
3. Teaching and Pedagogy Courses:
While not all doctoral programs require formal coursework in teaching and pedagogy, many universities offer optional or required courses to help graduate students develop effective teaching skills. These courses cover topics such as instructional strategies, curriculum development, assessment techniques, and classroom management. They aim to prepare future professors for their roles as educators and mentors.
It is important to note that the specific classes taken to become a professor can vary significantly depending on the academic discipline, the university's requirements, and the individual's research interests. The courses mentioned above are general examples and may not apply universally.
Overall, becoming a professor requires a combination of advanced education, specialized coursework, independent research, and teaching experience. It is a rigorous process that prepares individuals to contribute to their field through original research and impart knowledge to future generations of students.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. Harvard University - https://www.harvard.edu/
2. Stanford University - https://www.stanford.edu/
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - https://www.mit.edu/
Organic Web Results:
10 results
www.indeed.com
How To Become a College Professor (With 9 Steps and FAQs)
1. Earn a bachelor's degree · 2. Choose your specialization · 3. Complete graduate school · 4. Consider a teaching assistantship · 5. Pursue a ...
www.bestcolleges.com
How to Become a Professor
College professors typically hold a doctorate in their field. Earning a Ph.D. generally takes 4-6 years and requires a dissertation. Academic hiring committees ...
www.indeed.com
How To Become a College Professor
Most college professors are required to have a Ph.D. in their field. However, some colleges will accept a master's degree combined with ...
blog.prepscholar.com
The 19 Steps to Becoming a College Professor
#1: Doctoral Degree in the Field You Want to Teach In. Most teaching positions at four-year colleges and universities require applicants to have ...
www.wgu.edu
10 Simple Steps to Become a College Professor
Your specialty as a professor begins at the bachelor's level, so it's important to think about the subject or field you're most interested in.
www.learnhowtobecome.org
How To Become A Professor | LearnHowToBecome
The path to becoming a professor begins with a bachelor's degree. It is a prerequisite to entering graduate school. A student may know the subject they want ...
www.quora.com
I chose to be a college professor. What should you study to become ...
Pursuing a graduate degree: A master's degree or a doctoral degree in the relevant field is typically required for a professorship. This involves several years ...
drexel.edu
How to Become a Professor
Many two-year schools only require instructors to have their master's degree for teaching introductory courses, while some four-year institutions accept these ...
learn.org
What Are the Education Requirements to be a Professor?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a master's degree is sufficient to teach in a 2-year school, like a community or junior college.
No Worries!
JCF
You're curious about the college majors one should pursue to become a professor, right?
Well, to become a professor, one typically needs to follow the path of higher education, leading up to a doctoral degree in their chosen area of expertise. The specific subjects studied in college can vary widely, depending on the academic discipline and the requirements of the doctoral program. However, there are some common courses that many future professors might take during their college years.
1. Undergraduate Courses:
In their undergraduate years, those who aspire to become professors usually complete a bachelor's degree in their chosen field. The specific subjects studied will depend on the major or area of study. For instance, someone who wants to become a biology professor might take courses like general biology, genetics, ecology, and biochemistry. Similarly, a future history professor might study world history, American history, European history, and historiography.
2. Graduate Courses:
Upon completing their undergraduate degree, those aiming to become professors usually continue their education at the graduate level by joining a doctoral program. These programs are highly specialized and aim to develop advanced knowledge and research skills in a specific field. The curriculum in graduate school is designed to give students a deep understanding of their subject area and prepare them for independent research and teaching roles.
The specific subjects studied during graduate school can vary widely depending on the discipline and the individual's research interests. However, some common types of courses that doctoral students might take include:
- Core Courses: These are foundational courses that provide an overview of the field and cover essential concepts and theories. They help students develop a strong theoretical framework for their research. For example, in a psychology doctoral program, core courses might include cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and research methods.
- Specialized Courses: These courses delve deeper into specific subfields or topics within the discipline. They allow students to gain expertise in their area of interest and explore current research trends. For instance, a doctoral student in physics might take specialized courses in quantum mechanics, astrophysics, or particle physics.
- Research Methods and Statistics: These courses focus on teaching students the necessary skills to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and interpret results. They provide training in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, statistical analysis, and experimental design. Professors need a strong foundation in research methods to conduct their own studies and guide their students' research projects.
In addition to coursework, aspiring professors also engage in independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This research culminates in the completion of a doctoral dissertation, which is a significant contribution to the field of study.
3. Teaching and Pedagogy Courses:
While not all doctoral programs require formal coursework in teaching and pedagogy, many universities offer optional or required courses to help graduate students develop effective teaching skills. These courses cover topics such as instructional strategies, curriculum development, assessment techniques, and classroom management. They aim to prepare future professors for their roles as educators and mentors.
It is important to note that the specific classes taken to become a professor can vary significantly depending on the academic discipline, the university's requirements, and the individual's research interests. The courses mentioned above are general examples and may not apply universally.
Overall, becoming a professor requires a combination of advanced education, specialized coursework, independent research, and teaching experience. It is a rigorous process that prepares individuals to contribute to their field through original research and impart knowledge to future generations of students.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. Harvard University - https://www.harvard.edu/
2. Stanford University - https://www.stanford.edu/
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - https://www.mit.edu/
Organic Web Results:
10 results
www.indeed.com
How To Become a College Professor (With 9 Steps and FAQs)
1. Earn a bachelor's degree · 2. Choose your specialization · 3. Complete graduate school · 4. Consider a teaching assistantship · 5. Pursue a ...
www.bestcolleges.com
How to Become a Professor
College professors typically hold a doctorate in their field. Earning a Ph.D. generally takes 4-6 years and requires a dissertation. Academic hiring committees ...
www.indeed.com
How To Become a College Professor
Most college professors are required to have a Ph.D. in their field. However, some colleges will accept a master's degree combined with ...
blog.prepscholar.com
The 19 Steps to Becoming a College Professor
#1: Doctoral Degree in the Field You Want to Teach In. Most teaching positions at four-year colleges and universities require applicants to have ...
www.wgu.edu
10 Simple Steps to Become a College Professor
Your specialty as a professor begins at the bachelor's level, so it's important to think about the subject or field you're most interested in.
www.learnhowtobecome.org
How To Become A Professor | LearnHowToBecome
The path to becoming a professor begins with a bachelor's degree. It is a prerequisite to entering graduate school. A student may know the subject they want ...
www.quora.com
I chose to be a college professor. What should you study to become ...
Pursuing a graduate degree: A master's degree or a doctoral degree in the relevant field is typically required for a professorship. This involves several years ...
drexel.edu
How to Become a Professor
Many two-year schools only require instructors to have their master's degree for teaching introductory courses, while some four-year institutions accept these ...
learn.org
What Are the Education Requirements to be a Professor?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a master's degree is sufficient to teach in a 2-year school, like a community or junior college.
No Worries!
JCF
Misty Hodge
Ed Tech
6
Answers
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Misty’s Answer
Hello!
I graduated with a degree in English and a masters in Education with a focus on English. After receiving my teaching licensure, I applied to a community college for an adjunct position. This position was around my degree, literature. Determine what your focus/subject area will be, then determine what college and apply. There where no specific college course that I took to be a professor, but the course I did take in college is what I taught as a professor.
I graduated with a degree in English and a masters in Education with a focus on English. After receiving my teaching licensure, I applied to a community college for an adjunct position. This position was around my degree, literature. Determine what your focus/subject area will be, then determine what college and apply. There where no specific college course that I took to be a professor, but the course I did take in college is what I taught as a professor.