Professors

Build Your Academic Career in the United States

To work as a Professor in the United States, whether you're a US citizen or an international/foreign student, you must meet specific education, research, and immigration requirements.

Professors teach courses in their field of expertise at colleges and universities. They also conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and often serve on academic committees.

Educational Requirements:

  • US students must complete a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in their field of specialization, typically requiring 4-8 years beyond bachelor's degree.
  • Foreign students studying in the US must be accepted into an accredited doctoral program and obtain appropriate student visa status (F-1, J-1).
  • Foreign students, educated outside the US must have their foreign doctoral degree evaluated for equivalency to US standards through credential evaluation services.

Professional Requirements:

  1. Complete doctoral dissertation and defend it successfully before a committee.
  2. Demonstrate expertise through peer-reviewed publications and research experience.
  3. Gain teaching experience through graduate assistantships or postdoctoral positions.
  4. Develop specialized knowledge in your academic field and demonstrate research potential.
  5. International applicants must obtain proper work authorization (H-1B visa, O-1 visa for extraordinary ability, or permanent residency).
  6. Demonstrate English language proficiency for teaching and research responsibilities.
  7. Build a portfolio of research, teaching, and service that demonstrates readiness for faculty positions.
  8. Participate in academic conferences and professional organizations in your field.