How to Teach at Colleges & Universities
If you are considering a career in teaching at higher levels, you have two options: college and university. While community colleges require a master's degree, most university programs recruit faculty with a doctoral degree. Another thing to keep in mind is that in community colleges, the focus is more on teaching and less on research as compared to universities. It is therefore important to carefully consider your career goals to help you decide your future course of action.
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Instructions
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Study for a bachelor's degree in your area of your interest. Inculcate the attitude of studying for the sake of learning and not merely for passing the exam. Strive for a high grade point average, which will be an important factor in determining the graduate school to which you gain admission.
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Decide the area in which you wish to specialize. Browse the websites of U.S. News Education and GradSchools (see Resources 1 and 2) to find the best schools that offer graduate programs in this area. Compare across programs to find out which area of research a university emphasizes, the financial aid you can expect, availability of teaching assistant positions and the expertise of faculty members in the subject. Select programs that are aligned with your area of interest.
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Take the Graduate Record Examination and score well enough to be eligible for the program of your choice. Most of the prestigious graduate schools specify a cutoff score for the GRE.
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Apply to a few graduate programs that meet your requirements and where you are eligible on the basis of your GPA and GRE scores. Submit official transcripts of your bachelor's coursework and GRE scores along with a resume, statement of intent, recommendation letters and any other documentation the graduate school requires.
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Complete admission formalities and begin your coursework. Complete all the preliminary courses you are expected to take, and use the teaching assignments to hone your teaching skills. Assist your academic supervisor or other professors in their research work, to learn more about the nitty-gritty of research.
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Focus on carrying out your own research and publish your findings in reputed journals in your field of work. Your publications and experience with research will lend weight to your resume when you apply for a teaching job. Complete your research and submit your dissertation for approval. Perform well at the oral defense interview and gain your graduate degree.
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Prepare your curriculum vitae highlighting all your qualifications, skills and research work. Browse the websites of colleges and universities that offer courses in your specialization. Apply to teach at these places. Find jobs at colleges and universities by browsing sites such as College Teaching Jobs (see Resource 3).
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