Professorship denotes distinctions in academic life. In other words, it is the highest academic grade on the basis of scholarly achievements. The role of a professor is to teach students at colleges and universities. That calls for good qualifications that often require professors to have a PhD.
Besides, the role of a professor is mentoring students in academic life. A good professor should take pride in assisting their students to succeed in their careers and other professional developments.
To be a professor in a university college, one needs to have a PhD and above as the minimum requirement. However, lower-level educational institutions like and community colleges may only require a master’s degree to lecture. But this requirement is dependent on other factors and qualifications.
Still, a professor will provide supervisory and advisory role to the students who are pursuing a specific career in the respective field. Many would want to know if the all owners of such a title hold a PhD which is the purpose of this piece.
Uniquely, some situations in specific countries allows one to become a professor without a PhD.
Such exceptions happen only for specific fields. However, such a professor may likely earn lower than the one who underwent a PhD program.
As a student, you need to know the policies of your nation concerning earning the title of a professorship. It is vital because different nations have varying policies that regulate the program.
Qualifications of a Professor in Different Countries
Several countries have set standard for those students you want to attain professorship.
For instance, some countries allow one to begin with an undergraduate program then proceed for masters and acquires a PhD before graduating to professorship.
On the contrary, other nations gives a window for one to become a professor with the highest qualifications as a masters’ students.
However, there are special circumstances that allow one to get such a privilege. That said, here are how such countries approach the process of upgrading a student to a professor.
United States of America (USA)
For one to earn the title of a professor, the student must begin with a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, the aspiring student should begin to choose the subjects and specialize in them. Such a step assist in gaining expertise in that field.
A hopeful professor must proceed with education after a graduate degree. For example, if you want to work at community college level, then you must earn a master’s degree.
Additionally, for those who desire to teach at universities and four year colleges, then should earn a doctorate.
Moreover, an aspiring student should participate in assistantship program in their respective colleges.
Research assistantship enables the students do specific roles alike collecting, documenting and analyzing data.
Finally, you need to obtain post –doctoral experience. When you complete your PhD, conduct more research and organize a catalog of studies to publish them on journals.
Having those qualifications makes you to become a professor in the United States of America.
Professor qualifications in Canada
Becoming a professor in Canada is usually a competitive arena. One must have a PhD to qualify the next step. Usually, most of the students or aspirants who undergo the process are assist lectures with MPhils or PhDs.
The process begins by attaining a bachelor’s degree just like the one in the US. After that, you should undergo your master’s program in your field of interest. This program enlightens you to specialize in a specific area that arouses your interests.
After performing a master’s program, you can now go for a PhD. This doctoral programs expands your knowledge to increase your understanding in your area of specialty. Additionally, you can now publish your studies on journals for accreditation.
When the panel approves your work, you will now qualify to be an associate professor. There also other steps that you need to take before you become a full professor in Canada.
Qualifications in United Kingdom (UK)
The situation in the UK is that one must start off as a lecturer. The student will progress through various titles such as a senior lecturer, reader and eventually a professor.
Professorship is a high ranking title to any faculty which is an award after performing high quality research and contribution to the department. You must undergo a PhD program which can last between three to four years.
Uniquely, becoming a professor in the UK is not about the number of years one spend in the corridor of school.
In other words, it is about the quality and quantity of research one produced within a particular time.
Even at master’s level, as long as you publish good quality pares to demonstrate your expertise level in the particular field, you can become a professor. That alone cannot invalidate any PhD program.
How Long it Takes to become a Professor in These Countries
How long it takes to become a professor in USA
As stated earlier, becoming a professor in the USA is a tedious journey that becomes complete after several steps. The student in question must have a bachelor’s degree. Progressively, this student should attain a master’s degree.
Not to mention, studying for a PhD is a must-finish process, and it takes time. Summing up, all the years from your bachelor’s degrees to PhD can be as short as 2 years and as long as 8 years.
However, a difference may still occur if you had different engagements outside your education circle before you complete your last degree.
How long it takes to become a professor in Canada
Canada has an elaborate system of promoting one into professorship. After gaining an undergraduate degree, you proceed to have your master’s degree. More importantly, you should poses a doctorate to earn that title.
The process does not end there. Your contributions to the academic file matters a lot. The panel expects you to publish your studies on various journals and remain relevant. The entire process can take you at least seven to nine years.
How long it takes to become a professor in United Kingdom
United Kingdom is a wonderful place to be when you want to attain the title of professorship. Of course, a basic undergraduate degree is a must which may take your three to four years.
Most importantly, one should go for the master’s program which can last for at least three years.
The cool thing is after making several satisfactory publications on journals, you can apply for the professorship. If you satisfy the criterion convincingly, you become a professor.
Additionally, the other process requires a doctorate. All these may take your over eight years to qualify for professorship.
How to become a Professor without a Ph.D
It is possible to become a professor without possessing a Ph.D. Such a privilege may vary from school to school. Some schools may appoint one to become a full professor simply by one attaining a master’s degree in a given field.
However, the salary may be a bit lower to a professor with a master’s degree only unlike the one with a Ph.D.
Some situations only require a candidate to demonstrate individual mastery of a particular field. They may include publications or having major awards.
If you lack a PhD, you should try to publish as much as you can. Such steps gives you an easy time of becoming a university professor.
There are areas of study where real world experience has an upper hand than PhDs and publications. Such filed include courses like aircraft mechanics where your degree qualifications may not be a basis in determining your college professorship.
More importantly, some institutions in the UK will accept a student who did several publications with a master’s degree. While this is a risk to end up with a professor not good at teaching the students, it is a good idea if well-executed.
To cover or avoid that risk, the universities require that one must have made a remarkable contribution to the academic field for one to qualify to apply for the professorship. That window is great if you are making various publications in the journal.
