Can You Be a Professor with a Master's Degree?

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing at the front of a classroom, engaging students in thought-provoking discussions, and shaping the next generation of professionals, you might be wondering: Can you become a professor with a master’s degree?

The short answer? Yes, but with some limitations.

While most full-time, tenure-track professor positions require a Ph.D. or terminal degree, there are still plenty of opportunities to teach at the college level with just a master’s degree. Whether you’re looking to teach part-time, work at a community college, or gain experience before pursuing further education, a master’s degree can open doors in academia.

Let’s dive into the details of what’s possible, where you can teach, and what steps you can take to land a teaching position with a master’s degree.

Where Can You Teach with a Master’s Degree?

While a Ph.D. is often the standard for full-time university faculty, many institutions hire instructors with master’s degrees, especially in certain settings.

1. Community Colleges

One of the most common places to teach with a master’s degree is at a community college. Most community colleges require at least a master’s degree in the subject you want to teach, along with relevant experience. These institutions focus more on teaching than research, making them a great fit if you enjoy working directly with students.

2. Four-Year Colleges and Universities (On-Campus and Online)

Some four-year colleges and universities hire instructors with a master’s degree, though typically for:

• Adjunct (part-time) positions
• Lecturer roles
• Teaching-focused faculty positions in high-demand fields
• Graduate teaching assistant, for those working toward an advanced degree while part-time teaching

I’m proud that every faculty member in criminal justice is a current or former criminal justice professional, whether as a parole officer, detective, attorney, or another role. This real-world experience is significant for the program. It’s a tremendous advantage that Bellevue University has.

– Michael Butera, MS, Associate Professor and Program Director of Criminal Justice Degrees with over 25 years of in-the-field criminal justice experience.

Larger universities often require a doctorate for tenure-track positions, but if you have significant industry experience, you may qualify for teaching opportunities.

In addition to traditional on-campus teaching roles, the rise of online education has opened up more opportunities to teach at online colleges and universities. Many institutions offer remote adjunct positions, allowing you to teach from anywhere. These flexible positions make it possible to balance your career, education, and personal life, providing new avenues for those with a master's degree to impact students worldwide.

As a leader in adult online education, Bellevue University has been innovating online learning for more than 25 years. Bellevue offers convenient fully online learning formats specifically designed to meet the needs of busy working adults, military personnel, and beyond. Visit the Bellevue University faculty pages for more information on what it’s like to teach with Bellevue.

4. Technical and Vocational Schools

If your expertise is in a trade or technical field, you may be able to teach at a vocational or technical school with a master’s degree and industry experience. These schools prioritize practical knowledge and hands-on training over academic research.

5. Dual Enrollment and High School Programs

Many high schools partner with colleges to offer dual enrollment programs, where students can earn college credits before graduation. Teachers for these programs often need a master’s degree in the subject they’re teaching along with certification for teaching grades 9-12 from the state they teach in.

As a professor at Bellevue University, I get a direct sense of the effect I have on people’s lives. I’m so glad that Bellevue University is here for people who decided college wasn’t for them right away. Regardless of when you enroll, this is a place where you can gain the confidence you need to succeed in life and the knowledge to protect it.

– Karla Carter, MS, MA, Associate Professor at Bellevue University

Steps to Becoming a Professor

Whether you're aiming to teach with a master’s degree or considering a longer academic journey, it’s helpful to understand the common steps to becoming a professor. The path can vary depending on the institution and your field, but here’s a general roadmap to help guide you:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step starts with earning your bachelor’s degree in the field you’d like to teach. This foundational education is key, and it can also help you discover if you’re passionate enough about your field to pursue advanced degrees.

2. Complete a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree, with about half of your graduate credit hours in the subject area you want to teach, is the minimum requirement for many community college positions and adjunct roles. At this stage, it’s also smart to look for teaching assistant opportunities, research projects, and internships that build both academic and practical experience.

If you already possess a bachelor’s degree in a subject area you’d like to teach, but lack the education degree background to qualify for a K-12 teacher’s license, a Master of Arts in Teaching may be a good option for you. Bellevue’s MAT program can help you begin a new career in education if you've been working in another career field. It can prepare you to earn an initial teaching license from the Nebraska Department of Education for an elementary and/or secondary classroom (in the state of Nebraska). See the MAT program page for more details.

3. Gain Experience (Teaching or Industry)

Experience matters! You can build this by:

• Working as a teaching assistant
• Tutoring or mentoring students
• Building a career in your field and becoming an industry expert
• Teaching adjunct courses, non-credit courses, or offering workshops in your area of expertise

4. (Optional) Pursue a Doctorate

If your goal is to become a full-time, tenure-track professor at a four-year college or university, a Ph.D. or terminal degree is often required. Doctoral programs can take several years and involve original research and a dissertation, but they open up more advanced teaching and research opportunities.

5. Build a Strong Academic or Professional Network

Networking can help you discover job opportunities and make valuable connections with people who can mentor you or recommend you for positions. Attend academic conferences, professional events, and join associations in your field.

Alternative Teaching Career Paths for Master’s Degree Holders

If you’re passionate about education but don’t necessarily want to follow the traditional path of a college professor, there are plenty of other career options where your master’s degree can be a powerful asset. Many industries value professionals with advanced knowledge and teaching abilities, opening doors to roles beyond the classroom.

Blending creative design and technology, I create engaging and innovative learning experiences, from in-person workshops, microlearning, eLearning, and skill simulations to collaborating on virtual reality learning experiences. I'm thrilled to embrace new vistas where education, creativity and business meet.

– Louise Ellis, Bellevue University BS in Adult Education, MS-IDT, Concordia University-Chicago; Instructional Designer for Scooter's Coffee

1. Corporate Training & Professional Development

Many companies invest in corporate training programs to keep employees up to date on industry trends, leadership skills, and new technologies. With a master’s degree, you could work as a:

• Corporate Trainer: Designing and delivering employee training programs.
• Learning and Development Specialist: Creating professional development initiatives within organizations.
• HR or Talent Development Manager: Overseeing training programs and employee growth strategies.

2. Educational Consulting

If you enjoy strategic thinking and problem-solving, a career in educational consulting may be a great fit. Consultants work with schools, businesses, and government agencies to improve education programs and policies. You could specialize in:

• Curriculum development for schools and universities.
• Instructional design for e-learning and corporate training.
• Education technology implementation for online learning platforms.

3. Curriculum Development & Instructional Design

Behind every great course is a well-crafted curriculum. Many organizations and institutions hire curriculum developers and instructional designers to create engaging, effective learning materials. These roles exist in:

• K-12 and higher education (developing academic programs), however K-12 teaching credentials will be required from the state
• Corporate training (designing employee education materials). There are many additional certifications or credentials available in corporate training to pursue as you gain expertise.
• E-learning companies (building online courses and training modules).

If you’re interested in this path, Bellevue University offers a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology, designed to help you learn how to develop innovative, learner-centered materials for both academic and corporate settings. Plus, the program is offered 100% online and built for busy adults, so you can balance your education with your career and life.

4. Education Administration & Academic Advising

If you love the academic environment but prefer leadership or mentorship roles over teaching, consider:

• Academic advising: Helping students navigate their education and career paths
• Tutoring and writing help centers in colleges and universities.
• Program coordination: Managing educational programs at colleges, nonprofits, or corporate learning centers.
• Higher education administration: Working in student affairs, admissions, or faculty development.

Take the Next Step with Bellevue University

If you’re ready to turn your passion for education into a fulfilling career, Bellevue University offers flexible, career-focused graduate programs designed to help you reach your goals. Whether you want to teach, design curriculum, lead educational initiatives, or train professionals in the corporate world, our programs give you the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience to succeed.

Related resources we think you may like:

Benefits of a Master’s Degree
How Many Credits Does it Take to get a Master’s Degree
How to Get a Master’s Degree: Your Guide to Advancing Your Education and Career