To work as a university or college teacher, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have a master's or doctoral degree (PhD).

Education after high school

Most university and college teachers in full-time positions have a doctoral degree (PhD) in their field. Teachers who have only a master's degree may fill part-time, temporary jobs. At two-year colleges, a master's degree is also the minimum requirement for teaching. However, as the competition increases in this occupation, colleges will become more selective. You may find it more difficult to obtain a college teaching job if you do not have a doctoral degree.

To earn a doctoral degree, you need to complete four to eight years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. To complete a doctoral degree, you must:

• take courses and seminars;
• pass exams in all major areas of your field;
• write a dissertation based on your own original research; and
• complete laboratory work if you are studying a natural science or engineering.

In some fields, you may need one to two years of postdoctoral study to qualify for a teaching position at a university.

Work experience

While completing a master's or doctoral degree, you may have the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses. This is good experience for someone who wants to be a college or university teacher.