How to Become a University Professor

A professor wearing glasses writes grammar rules on a whiteboard in a classroom setting

The university classroom is a rewarding place to build a career, and for many professionals in the Philippines, it is a destination worth planning for.

If you are wondering how to become a professor in the Philippines, the path starts with the right academic foundation, and it is more accessible than ever.

Whether you are a working professional considering a career shift or a college graduate mapping your long-term goals, transitioning into academia is a viable and fulfilling choice.

In this article, discover how to advance your career in teaching by knowing the qualifications to become a professor and see what that path can look like for you.

What is a University Professor?

A university professor teaches and mentors students at the college level while often conducting research in their field. Professors may specialize in areas such as business administration, engineering, education, or the humanities.

Their work goes beyond the classroom. They prepare lessons and course materials, assess students, conduct research, and may take part in projects that support their university and local community.

Professors can also contribute to their field by publishing research, attending academic conferences, and working with other educators and institutions. For many professionals, it is a career that offers opportunities to keep learning, share their expertise, and help prepare the next generation of Filipino professionals.

How to Become a University Professor in the Philippines

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) sets faculty qualifications for colleges and universities across the country. According to CHED’s official policies, these standards define the academic and professional benchmarks that aspiring professors need to meet. Here is what that journey looks like, step by step.

Step 1: Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree

Every academic career at the college level begins with a bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. Your undergraduate education establishes your area of specialization and lays the groundwork for postgraduate study.

A young woman in graduation cap and gown smiles while talking on the phone, holding a rolled diploma outside a university building

Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is the minimum academic requirement for most college-level faculty positions in the Philippines.

Under CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 40, Series of 2008, instructors and assistant professors in higher education institutions are required to hold a master’s degree relevant to their teaching area. This is what distinguishes college teaching from K-12 education, where a PRC license is required. At the tertiary level, your graduate degree is your primary qualification.

For working professionals, this step is more attainable than ever. Flexible education options, including online and blended postgraduate programs, allow you to earn a master’s degree without putting your career on hold.

If you are still weighing whether this career path is right for you, exploring the reasons to become a professor may help you decide.

Step 3: Build Industry and Research Experience

Academic hiring panels look for more than credentials. They want to see how you have applied your expertise in the real world.

Research contributions, professional certifications, and published work all strengthen your academic profile. The crossover between industry and academia is particularly valued in programs that bridge theory and practice.

Step 4: Know What Degree You Need to Be a College Professor

So, what degree do you need to be a college professor in the Philippines? For most entry-level faculty roles, a master’s degree is the minimum requirement. For positions in research universities, for teaching graduate-level courses, or for senior academic ranks, a doctorate is often preferred or required.

CHED’s qualifications framework recognizes this progression. Academic rank in Philippine universities ranges from instructor to full professor, with each level tied to educational attainment, research output, and years of teaching experience.

A young woman in a yellow shirt teaches English grammar online from her home, referencing a flipchart with notes on basic structures and parts of speech

Research experience and advanced degrees significantly improve hiring prospects in higher education. This is why a doctorate is a strategic investment for professionals who want to advance to the senior ranks of their academic careers.

Explore jobs that require a doctorate degree and see how a terminal degree opens up career opportunities beyond the classroom as well.

Step 5: Apply for a Faculty Position

With your academic credentials ready, you can begin applying for teaching positions at colleges and universities.

Academic job postings typically appear on university websites, CHED’s official portals, and professional networking platforms. A standard application packet includes a curriculum vitae, certified transcripts, a teaching philosophy statement, and documentation of any research or publications.

What is the Qualification to Become a Professor?

CHED evaluates faculty on academic rank, field of specialization, years of teaching or industry experience, and research output. Each rank, from instructor to full professor, carries specific educational and professional requirements.

Higher-ranking faculty positions generally require a doctorate and a track record of published research.

Continuous learning is a core part of an academic career. Professors pursue postdoctoral studies, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) units, and collaborative research to advance in rank and deepen their expertise.

An online postgraduate degree in the Philippines gives you the flexibility to pursue these credentials on a schedule that works for you.

Advantages of Becoming a University Professor

Teaching at the college level comes with lasting professional and personal rewards. Here are key benefits worth considering:

Job Security and Benefits: Faculty positions at state universities and colleges come with civil service protections, government benefits, and long-term career stability.

Continuous Intellectual Growth: Academic life keeps you engaged with current developments in your field through research, readings, and professional collaborations.

Work-Life Flexibility: College teaching schedules offer more autonomy than many corporate roles, giving faculty members greater control over how they organize their time.

Community and National Impact: Over the course of a career, professors shape the professional paths of thousands of students. This influence extends far beyond the institution.

Multiple Income Streams: Many professors supplement their academic income through consultancy work, book authorship, and professional training engagements.

Advance Your Career in Higher Education with OEd PostGrad

Becoming a college professor in the Philippines is within reach for professionals willing to invest in their postgraduate education.

A master’s degree opens the door to most faculty positions, while a doctorate positions you for senior academic roles and graduate-level teaching.

OEd PostGrad offers flexible education programs for aspiring university professors and working professionals across the Philippines. From master’s degrees to short courses, OEd makes it possible to build the qualifications you need without stepping away from your career.

Reach out to us today and explore available programs that align with your goals and timeline.