- Professors don’t just teach – they lead research, publish work, and often mentor PhD students along the way.
- Academic careers usually start with a lecturer role and move up through ranks like associate and full professor.
- It’s a long road to the top – becoming a professor can take over 10 years of study, research, and teaching experience.
Professors are recognized subject-matter experts. Whether you aspire to be a Professor of Biology, Literature, Law, or History, you are aiming for the pinnacle of the academic hierarchy. Reaching this prestigious rank is the result of years of dedicated study, rigorous research, and excellence in teaching.
If you possess a deep passion for your discipline and thrive on both research and classroom instruction, this could be your ideal career path. Continue reading our comprehensive guide to learn exactly how to become a professor.
What does a professor do?
A professor facilitates learning for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students while simultaneously advancing knowledge in their field through scholarly publication and research supervision. Key daily responsibilities for professors include:
- Giving lectures and supervising PhD students
- Designing course materials and assessments
- Meeting with students during office hours to talk about research
- Conducting original research and applying for funding in their fields
- Attending academic conferences
- Publishing articles in academic journals
A quick note: The definition of professor varies by region. While the title is synonymous with K-12 teaching in some cultures, in higher education, it represents the highest academic rank—the ultimate mark of mastery in one's specialized field.
A professor is a high-ranking academic who delivers lectures, leads pioneering research, and mentors students within a college or university environment. They are typically considered leading authorities in their specific area of study.
Aspiring professors typically begin with junior titles such as Lecturer or Senior Lecturer. In the US, the title is broader; you will encounter Assistant Professor (equivalent to a UK Lecturer) and Associate Professor (equivalent to a UK Senior Lecturer).
Academic titles vary significantly by region, so it is crucial to research the specific career structure in the country where you intend to pursue your professional development.
Academic ranks in teaching/research (university careers)
Not every university instructor is a "professor." The academic hierarchy typically ascends from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor, reaching the peak as a full Professor. Each level signifies increased experience, research output, and pedagogical responsibility.
Academic Rank | Role Overview |
Lecturer / Assistant Professor | Foundational teaching and research position |
Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor | Mid-level role with increased teaching and research load |
Full Professor | Highest academic rank; leads research initiatives |
Emeritus Professor | Retired professor awarded honorary status |
Is becoming a professor the right path for you?
The path to becoming a professor is a long-term commitment. It requires years of completing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, publishing academic papers, and conducting original research. Key skills for success include:
- Academic writing
- Research skills for your field
- Ability to work independently
- Effective communication skills to talk about your findings and connect with students
- Being able to handle teaching, research, and admin work
Professor vs teacher
The primary difference between a teacher and a professor lies in the educational setting and level. Teachers typically focus on foundational knowledge in primary or secondary schools, while professors guide students through advanced academic inquiry at the university level. Both are essential pillars of education.
Comparison Category | School Teacher | University Professor |
Work Environment | Primary or Secondary Schools | Universities or Colleges |
Target Students | Children or adolescents | University-level students |
Pedagogical Focus | Foundational education and core subjects | Advanced research and specialized topics |
Required Qualifications | Teaching certification or education degree | PhD or relevant terminal degree |
Key Responsibilities | Curriculum delivery and classroom management | Instruction, research, publishing, and mentoring |
Professional Title | Typically addressed as Mr., Ms., or Teacher | Typically addressed as Professor |
What degree do you need to become a professor?
To become a professor, you will generally need a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or an equivalent terminal degree in your chosen field. This necessitates a significant commitment to higher education. The typical academic roadmap includes:
Academic Stage | Typical Requirements |
Bachelor’s Degree | 3–4 years of foundational study in your discipline |
Master’s Degree | 1–2 years of advanced specialization |
PhD or Doctorate | 3–6 years of original research and thesis completion |
Regardless of your current stage, use our search tools to find degree programs globally. Enter your target subject and use filters to narrow down by country. We offer three distinct platforms to help you navigate your options.
- If you’re a secondary school student looking for undergraduate programmes, check out
- If you’ve already completed your undergraduate degree, check out Online Result
- If you’re considering a PhD, check out
Training and experience during and after your PhD
Many doctoral candidates secure part-time teaching positions during their studies. This is an excellent way to gain pedagogical experience, supplement your income, and refine your ability to explain complex concepts—a core skill for any future professor.
Following your PhD, you may pursue teaching assistantships or post-doctoral fellowships. A post-doc is a temporary research position focused on publishing and expanding your scholarly profile, serving as a critical bridge to permanent university roles.
How is becoming a professor different around the world
In many European nations, candidates must complete a habilitation process post-PhD. This serves as a formal assessment of your research and teaching proficiency to confirm your readiness for professorship.
In the UK and US, there is no habilitation process. Instead, you typically begin as a Lecturer (UK) or Assistant Professor (US) and progress based on performance, field requirements, and institutional openings.
Here is a breakdown of the typical professional trajectory for professors in different regions:
Typical Education | Post-Graduate Steps | Pre-Professorship Roles | |
United Kingdom | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Post-doc, Teaching Assistant | Lecturer, Senior Lecturer |
United States | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Post-doc, Teaching Assistant | Assistant Professor, Associate Professor |
Germany | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Post-doc, Habilitation | Junior Professor, W2/W3 Professor |
France | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Post-doc, Agrégation exam | Maître de conférences (Lecturer) |
India | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | NET or SET Examination | Assistant Professor, Associate Professor |
Australia | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Post-doc, Teaching Assistant | Lecturer, Senior Lecturer |
Final tips to succeed in your professor journey
Becoming a professor requires immense dedication. Beyond teaching and research, prioritize networking. Engage with conferences, seminars, and research groups; these connections are vital for securing post-doctoral roles and, eventually, tenure-track positions.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to become a professor?
The process generally spans 10–20 years post-secondary school, involving the completion of a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, PhD, post-doctoral research, and various teaching appointments.
2. How difficult is it to become a professor?
The path to professorship is highly competitive, and positions are limited relative to the number of doctoral graduates. However, by maintaining a strong research record and gaining consistent teaching experience, you can increase your chances of success.
3. Is being a professor a good career choice?
If you are deeply passionate about your field and committed to the integration of teaching and original research, the journey to becoming a professor is both achievable and deeply rewarding.