Qualifications to become a college professor: In order to become a college professor, one has to first attend college and select a major. After a bachelor's degree is obtained, the graduate must then go on to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) degree, which often takes anywhere from four to six years. Many community colleges will hire professors with only a master's
. degree, which typically takes two years of full-time study. However, at the university level, a Ph.D. is mandatory. In order to complete a Ph.D., the student must successfully complete a dissertation, or a substantial example of research and scholarly work. Only then can a person confidently look for work as a college professor.
