A career in academia can be exciting and rewarding. You might think you need a PhD to start teaching at college level but there are various options available if you have a master's degree —and that's good news. Completing a PhD is a big undertaking. It takes many years of hard work and dedication and the outcomes are never guaranteed. 

One of my husband's good friends started a PhD in the hopes of moving into a career in academia. A few years later he decided to quit and start a career in the corporate sector to help meet his family's financial needs and save his sanity. Today, I am happy to report, that he has built a career that he enjoys. He's been able to put all the knowledge from his master's (and half a PhD) to good use. 

But what options are open to those wanting to enter the world of academia with only a master's degree? The answer is quite a few. 

In most cases though, the title of "Professor" may be a bit of a reach. Let's explore some of those options and discuss the ways you might even be able to become a professor with a master's degree.

Can You Teach College with a Master’s Degree?

Teaching at the college level with a master’s degree is possible. It's normal for research universities to require a PhD qualification for their professors, but there are other ways to teach at the college level. 

Many institutions, such as community colleges, online schools, and technical colleges hire professors with only a master’s degree — particularly for fields where practical experience is highly valued. Each college and university has its own requirements and these also vary depending on the subject being taught. 

College Professor Requirements: When Is a PhD Necessary?

In academia, a PhD is the standard requirement for tenure-track positions at research universities. There are, however, several exceptions where a master’s degree, paired with relevant experience, can qualify you for teaching roles. 

Here’s a breakdown of qualifications by institution type:

•             Community Colleges: Community colleges are one of the best options for individuals with a master’s degree who want to teach. These institutions prioritize effective teaching and student engagement, often valuing teaching skills and professional experience more than a PhD.

•             Teaching Colleges and Liberal Arts Institutions: Some teaching-focused colleges and liberal arts institutions hire master’s degree holders, depending on the subject area and candidate qualifications. However, in disciplines like psychology, biology, or history, a PhD may still be required.

•             Research Universities: Research universities typically require a PhD for tenure-track and full-time roles. However, master’s degree holders might be considered for adjunct or non-tenure-track positions, especially if they have unique expertise or industry experience. Disciplines such as fine arts, business, or engineering may make some exceptions, as practical skills in these areas can be just as valuable as research.

Types of Teaching Positions for Master’s Degree Holders

Even without a PhD, several teaching positions are available to master’s degree holders. These roles can vary based on time commitment, responsibilities, and opportunities for advancement. 

Here are some common positions for those with a master’s degree:

•             Adjunct Professors: These part-time faculty members teach specific courses, often on a contract basis, and are commonly found at community colleges and universities. Adjunct positions are flexible and are a good way to start gaining teaching experience.

•             Full-Time Instructors: Some institutions hire full-time instructors with master’s degrees, especially if they focus primarily on teaching rather than research. These positions offer more stability than adjunct roles but may not come with tenure.

•             Lecturers: Lecturers typically hold positions at larger universities, teaching primarily undergraduate courses. While they usually don’t have the same research obligations as tenure-track faculty, they may take on administrative duties or student advising.

•             Online Faculty: As online education grows, the demand for qualified instructors has increased. Many online faculty roles welcome master’s degree holders, especially in fields like business, nursing, and education, where real-world experience is valuable.

If you’re a master’s degree holder with relevant work experience, it can help to strengthen your application for these roles. Practical experience can sometimes outweigh the need for a PhD, particularly in applied fields or technical subjects.

Steps to Take if You Want to Teach with a Master’s Degree

While a master’s degree can open doors, a few strategic steps can improve your chances of landing a teaching position:

1.          Gain Relevant Experience: Classroom experience, such as serving as a teaching assistant (TA), can help improve your skill set. Additionally, practical experience in your field can make your application stand out.

2.          Publish Research or Articles in Your Field: Even without a PhD, publishing articles or contributing to research in your subject area can demonstrate your commitment to academia and increase your visibility.

3.          Apply for Adjunct or Part-Time Roles First: Starting with part-time or adjunct roles can help you build your teaching portfolio, expand your network, and open doors to more advanced positions over time.

4.          Network and Attend Academic Conferences: Building connections within academia is essential for long-term success. Networking with academic professionals can lead to job leads, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.

Alternatives to Becoming a Professor with a Master’s Degree

If you decide academia isn’t the right fit or want to explore other career paths with a master’s degree, there are plenty of alternatives:

•             K-12 Administration: Many individuals with a master’s degree in education pursue careers in school administration, becoming principals, curriculum directors, or department heads.

•             Instructional Design: This field focuses on developing educational materials, curricula, and training programs. Instructional designers work in schools, corporations, and even government agencies.

•             Corporate Training and Development: Many businesses hire individuals with advanced degrees to develop training programs for employees. Corporate trainers combine teaching skills with industry-specific knowledge.

•             Consulting or Tutoring: Independent consulting or tutoring allows you to apply your expertise to help students or organizations meet their goals, all without the constraints of a traditional teaching position.

Teach College with a Master's Degree

Becoming a professor with a master’s degree is possible, especially if you focus on community colleges, technical schools, or adjunct roles. Each type of institution and field has its own requirements. While a PhD may be required for research-focused and tenure-track positions, there are ample teaching opportunities that only require a master’s degree. 

If your ultimate goal is to teach, start by getting your master's degree and gaining relevant experience. Not sure where to start? Our quick and easy education career quiz should be able to help you figure out what will be a good fit and help you take the next step.