Earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Complete a master’s degree if required or helpful for your field
Earn a PhD or terminal degree for most university professor positions
Choose a specialization and build deep expertise in that subject
Maintain a strong academic record throughout your education
Gain research experience and publish scholarly work
Present at academic conferences and professional events
Build relationships with professors, mentors, and researchers
Apply for teaching assistant, research assistant, or adjunct roles
Develop teaching experience at colleges, universities, or community colleges
Complete a dissertation or major research project
Apply for postdoctoral positions if needed in your field
Create a strong CV, teaching statement, research statement, and cover letter
Apply for faculty positions at colleges and universities
Prepare for interviews, teaching demonstrations, and research presentations
Continue publishing, teaching, and participating in academic service after hiring