Education is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress. It opens doors to opportunities, broadens horizons, and empowers individuals to make a difference in the world. And at the heart of this transformative process are university professors. These learned individuals play a crucial role in shaping students' lives, imparting knowledge, and contributing to society as a whole.
Whether you have recently graduated or are considering a career change, this guide will provide valuable insights and guidance on How To Become A University Professor.
Role of a University Professor
A university professor is an esteemed position that involves shaping the minds of future generations, conducting groundbreaking research, and contributing to society. As a professor, you will have a multifaceted role that encompasses teaching, research, and service obligations.
Teaching is at the core of a professor's responsibilities, but many university professors are also expected to engage in cutting-edge research in their respective fields. Professors also have service obligations towards their institutions and the wider academic community. This involves serving on committees, participating in conferences and seminars as speakers or reviewers, and mentoring junior faculty members.
Skills required to be a university professor
- Strong communication skills
- Expertise in your subject area
- Critical thinking abilities
Education Requirements for University Professors
To become a university professor, the first step is to obtain the necessary educational qualifications. Most universities require candidates to have at least a master's degree in their field of expertise. However, some specialised disciplines may require a doctoral degree as the minimum qualification.
Undergraduate Degrees
Undertaking an undergraduate degree is essential for building a strong foundation in your chosen field and gaining subject-specific knowledge.
- These include Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in disciplines such as English Literature, History, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, or Political Science.
- The duration of these undergraduate programmes is typically three years, and fees can range from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakhs.
PhD programmes
After completing your undergraduate studies, the next step towards becoming a university professor is pursuing a Ph.D., which is essential for research positions and teaching roles in higher education institutions.
Here's a list of popular Ph.D. programmes:
1. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Duration: 3-6 years
Fees: ₹80,000-₹1 lakh
2. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Duration: 3-5 years
Fees: ₹40,000-₹4.5 lakhs
3. Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Duration: 4–7 years
Fees: ₹13 lakhs for the entire programme
4. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Duration: 3-6 years
Fees: ₹9,000-₹85,000
5. Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Duration: 5-7 years
Fees: ₹1 lakh - 10 lakhs
In addition to a Ph.D., gaining postdoctoral research experience is highly beneficial for aspiring university professors. Postdoctoral research allows you to deepen your knowledge in your specialised area and build your research portfolio.
Upskilling Opportunities and Certifications for University Professors
In academia, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to providing quality education and contributing to research. Upskilling allows you to explore new teaching methodologies, learn about emerging technologies, and gain expertise in specialised areas.
Certification programs help you develop essential skills and are preferred by several universities. A few such courses include:
1. Online Teaching Certification
Duration: 3-6 months
Fees: ₹10,000-₹50,000
2. Research Methodology Certification
Duration: 1-3 months
Fees: ₹5,000-₹20,000
3. Educational Leadership Certification
Duration: 6–12 months
Fees: ₹20,000-₹1,00,000
4. E-Learning Instructional Design Certification
Duration: 3-6 months
Fees: ₹15,000-₹40,000
5. Data Analysis for Research Certification
Duration: 2-4 months
Fees: ₹4,000-₹70,000
Salary and Job Potential for University Professors
University professors in India enjoy competitive salaries that are commensurate with their qualifications, experience, and expertise. The salary structure varies based on factors such as the type of institute, location, specialisation, and academic rank.
Average salary range for university professors in India:
Government universities and colleges generally follow the pay scales set by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Private institutes may have different salary structures based on their policies.
Career Growth for University Professors
As a university professor, you can progress through various career stages, such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor. Alongside promotions within your institution, there are opportunities for administrative roles such as Head of Department or Dean.
Additionally, you can explore research positions at reputed research institutes or take up consulting assignments with industry organisations. With continuous research contributions, teaching excellence, and leadership qualities, you can establish yourself as an eminent scholar in your field.
Exploring Specialisations in Academic Fields
Academia offers a wide range of specialisations for aspiring university professors across different fields of study. Some popular academic fields for specialisation include:
- Science and Technology
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Business and Management Studies
Roles Beyond Teaching and Research
As a university professor, there are various career opportunities beyond teaching and research that you can explore:
- Administration positions within universities offer opportunities for leadership roles such as Dean or Provost.
- Consulting roles with industries allow you to apply your expertise outside academia and contribute to real-world projects.
These roles provide avenues for personal growth and the chance to make a broader impact in the field of education.
Kickstart Your Career as a University Professor
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a rewarding career as a university professor! Remember, becoming a university professor requires dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning. WIZR offers various certification courses that can help you develop the skills needed in academia. Explore all our options now!
FAQs
1. Why is becoming a university professor considered a prestigious profession?
Becoming a university professor is considered prestigious due to its intellectual rigour, academic freedom, opportunities for lifelong learning, and contribution to society through research and teaching.
2. Do I have to take the NET exam to apply for jobs nationwide?
Yes, if you want to apply for teaching positions in colleges or universities across India, clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET) is mandatory.
3. Can I become a professor without having completed my Ph.D.?
While it may be possible to become an adjunct or part-time faculty member without a Ph.D., full-time faculty positions at universities typically require candidates with doctoral degrees.
4. What is the average salary for a Professor at private colleges?
The average salary of a Professor in private colleges in India ranges from ₹6-15 lakhs per annum.
5. How many years does it take to become the HOD of a university?
Becoming a Head of Department (HOD) at a university typically takes several years of experience and accomplishments as a professor. The exact timeline can vary, but it often takes around 10–15 years of dedicated work in academia to reach this position.
