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Professor education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a professor. Professors usually study business, law, or psychology. 52% of professors hold a bachelor's degree, and 25% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 18,209 real professor resumes to see exactly what professor education sections show.
The most common colleges for professors are the University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus and the University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus.
There are also many online professor courses to help get the education required to be a professor.
There are certain professor certifications that you should consider. These professor certifications include Certified Manager Certification (CM) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
What education do you need to become a professor?
What degree do you need to be a professor?
- Bachelor's, 52%
- Master's, 25%
- Doctorate, 15%
- Associate, 5%
- Other Degrees, 3%
What should I major in to become a professor?
- Business, 12%
- Law, 9%
- Psychology, 9%
- Education, 6%
- Other Majors, 64%
Most common colleges for professors
| Professor common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus | 11.59% |
| University of Phoenix | 9.92% |
| New York University | 6.83% |
| Central State University | 6.51% |
| University of California - Davis | 6.35% |
Best majors for professors
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business | 12.1% |
| 2 | Law | 9.1% |
| 3 | Psychology | 8.7% |
| 4 | Education | 6.2% |
| 5 | English | 5.9% |
Best colleges for professors
The best colleges for professors are Northwestern University, Columbia University in the City of New York, and Harvard University.
A professor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for professors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become professors.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
2. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$10,610
Enrollment
40,329
3. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
4. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
5. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
6. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,262
Enrollment
30,079
7. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
8. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
9. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
10. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
20 best online courses for professors
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1. Introduction to Economic Theories
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This is a master class in Customer Centricity. Professor Jagdish Sheth, 2020 Padma Bhushan Award winner for Literature and Education, guides you through proven strategies and practical steps for implementing customer centricity practices into your business. Professor Sheth shares wisdom and insight from decades of experience, years of research, and recommendations from multiple senior industry leaders to help grow your business and cut costs by keeping the customers you have by creating a...
3. Easy Anatomy and Physiology (Platinum Edition)
An Easy Guide to Learning the Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body...
4. English Literature: Be as Informed as a Literature Graduate
The development of English Literature from its earliest texts to the present day...
5. Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness
Self-determination theory (SDT) is an empirically based theory of motivation and psychological development that is especially focused on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness, and how they are supported in social contexts. SDT details how the styles and strategies of motivators such as parents, teachers, coaches, managers, and health-care professionals can promote or undermine engagement and the positive consequences that follow from it. In this course,...
6. Social Psychology
Ever wonder why people do what they do? This course—which includes more than $1,000 of video and reading materials—offers some answers based on the latest research from social psychology. Students taking the course for a Certificate will also receive free membership in Social Psychology Network (SocialPsychology.org). COURSE DESCRIPTION FROM PROFESSOR PLOUS: Each of us is dealt a different hand in life, but we all face similar questions when it comes to human behavior: What leads us to like one...
7. Introduction to Behavioral Economics & Consumer Psychology
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8. Economics Decoded: 10 Essential Principles Shaping Our World
Master the application of 10 core economics principles to make informed decisions in both professional and personal life...
9. Human Anatomy & Physiology I
In this specialization, you will receive an introduction to human anatomy and physiology! Together, we will explore foundational concepts as well as the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body as it pertains to five major body systems: the integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine (hormone) systems.\n\nThese courses will utilize a free, open-source text (https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e)with supplemental activities and...
10. Welcome to Game Theory
This course provides a brief introduction to game theory. Our main goal is to understand the basic ideas behind the key concepts in game theory, such as equilibrium, rationality, and cooperation. The course uses very little mathematics, and it is ideal for those who are looking for a conceptual introduction to game theory. Business competition, political campaigns, the struggle for existence by animals and plants, and so on, can all be regarded as a kind of “game,” in which individuals try to...
11. Infopreneur: Create Information Products and Online Courses
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12. Mathematics for Computer Games Development using Unity
A Beginner's Guide to Essential Mathematics, Data Structures and Algorithms used in Game Programming applied in Unity...
13. Business Opportunities and Risks in a Globalized Economy
This is the last of the three courses part of the Globalization, Economic Growth and Stability Specialization.¨Business Opportunities and Risks in a Globalized World¨ is the the 3rd and final course of the ¨Globalization, Economic Growth and Stability¨ Specialization taught by IE Business School's Professor Gayle Allard. This course is designed to help an investor, businessperson or economist approach macroeconomic, institutional and international data and derive information from the indicators...
14. Chemistry 101 - Part 1 Principles of Chemistry
An introductory course for anybody who wants to study chemistry - either towards future pathways or just for fun!...
15. Web Development w/ Google's Go (golang) Programming Language
Learn Web Programming from a University Professor in Computer Science with over 20 years of teaching experience...
16. General Biology I: Foundations of Biology
An essential course in Biology for students of all ages...
17. Information Technology Essentials
Introduction to Information Technology and Information Systems...
18. The Psychology of Color in Game Design & Development
Comprehensive Theory/Psychology Course that Analyzes how Color can affect a Player's Emotion, Actions and Thinking!...
19. The Complete Business Plan Course (Includes 50 Templates)
Everything You Need to Make a Great Business Plan by an Award Winning Business School Prof, VC & Successful Entrepreneur...
20. Executive Coaching and Business Case Development
The Guide to Executive Coaching and Business Case Development Success...
Top 10 most affordable universities for professors
The most affordable schools for professors are University of Florida, california state university - long beach, and hunter college of the city university of new york.
If the best universities for professors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for professors.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
2. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
3. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
4. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
5. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Brooklyn, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,240
Cost of attendance
13,991
6. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
7. Lehman College of the City University of New York
Bronx, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,210
Cost of attendance
14,359
8. City College of New York of the City University of New York, The
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,140
Cost of attendance
14,430
9. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,410
Cost of attendance
20,456
10. Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$5,740
Cost of attendance
17,864
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for professors
The hardest universities for professors to get into are Northwestern University, Columbia University in the City of New York, and Harvard University.
Some great schools for professors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for professors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
2. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
3. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
Admissions rate
5%
SAT average
1,520
4. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
Admissions rate
9%
SAT average
1,516
5. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
6. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,471
7. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
8. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
9. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
10. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for professors
The easiest schools for professors to get into are Barry University, mount saint mary's university, and wayland baptist university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a professor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for professors.
1. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
2. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
3. Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, TX • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
1,003
4. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
5. Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,035
6. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
7. Centenary University
Hackettstown, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
67%
SAT average
987
8. Kean University
Union, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
991
9. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
10. Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,053
Average professor salary by education level
| Professor education level | Professor salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $147,186 |
| Doctorate Degree | $189,720 |
Professor education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common education, training, and library questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025