How Do I Become a College Lecturer?

The specific steps you will need to take to become a college lecturer can vary depending on the region in which you intend to teach. The definition of a lecturer can vary, so you will need to do a bit of research into what this title entails in certain parts of the world. In many regions, a lecturer is a non-tenured, full-time employee who teaches classes but does not necessarily conduct research or publish as full professors do. The first step to become a college lecturer, therefore, is to decide what area of academia you are interested in teaching.

You will need to complete a high school education if you want to become a college lecturer, and you will need to further your education by obtaining a bachelor's degree. The specific subject matter or major you choose will depend on your strengths and interests, but keep in mind that you should choose your major based on what subject or subjects you would like to teach once you become a college lecturer. Your bachelor's degree program will be a general program of study that will give you a foundation for the next step in your education, the master's degree.

This postgraduate degree will qualify you to become a lecturer in some subject areas at some colleges or universities, though you may need to continue on in your education to earn a PhD to teach in other subject areas or other colleges and universities. The Master's degree is an advanced degree program in which you will do more specific research and studies into your chosen area of expertise. You will need to complete at least a master's degree if you want to become a college lecturer, though moving on to earn a PhD will improve your chances of securing a lecturing position.

Another way to become a college lecturer is to combine education and expertise. Some lecturers, for example, may only possess a bachelor's degree, but they have proven themselves to be experts in the subject area by working in the field and collecting various qualifications along the way. A bestselling author, for example, may not possess a master's degree or PhD, but he or she may still be asked to become a college lecturer because of his or her author has specific expertise in the field of writing and publishing. A scientist who is credited with an important finding or discovery may similarly be asked to become a lecturer at a college or university.