Qualifications Needed to Be a College Professor in English or Communications

Professors need to be comfortable mentoring students as they make decisions about their futures.

Obtaining a position as a college or university professor requires a variety of qualifications, proving you are a qualified expert in your field of study and a skilled and experienced teacher. Open positions at most colleges are highly competitive, with schools looking for the most experienced and qualified applicants capable of hitting the ground running with minimal supervision. You need to obtain the degrees required to teach at the college level and the teaching experience necessary for your resume to stand out.

Education Requirements

To work as a professor at a 4-year college or university, you will need a doctorate degree. Doctorates require on average 6 years of additional study beyond your bachelor's degree When completing your doctorate, you will focus on a sub-field in your area of expertise. For example, if your interest is teaching English, you might specialize in Victorian-era literature or African American literature. You will need to complete a dissertation in your sub-field, demonstrating knowledge and expertise in the area. To teach at a 2-year or trade/technical school, you may need only a master's degree, which requires an additional 2 to 4 years of study beyond your bachelor's degree.

Teaching Experience

Colleges and universities want to hire new professors with teaching experience. While completing your master's or doctorate degree, participate in any teaching assistant (TA) opportunities available. Teaching assistants work with a professor in their field to prepare coursework and exams, grade student papers and tests, assist in research and teach introductory classes in their field. TAs gain valuable in-classroom experience which makes them more desirable employees. If you're most interested in teaching communications courses at the college or university level, you might also pursue internships while completing your master's or doctoral work. Internships are often available at school-sponsored radio or television stations. Join a school newspaper staff or write for a literary journal.

Publication and Research

To obtain tenure status at a college and maintain long-term employment, you need to publish in your field on a regular basis. In addition to teaching courses and managing students, you will also research and write academic papers exploring subjects in your field of expertise. Excellent writing and researching skills, an analytical mind and self-motivation are required to pursue your own research in addition to your duties as a professor.

Interpersonal Skills

Professors must be able to work with a diverse student population with varying skills and needs. You must have highly developed communication skills and relate well to students. Professors must be able to work with colleagues on various academic committees, work with minimal supervision, understand and adhere to department budgets and meet deadlines.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teachers--Postsecondary