Education. Most institutions of higher education require professors have a minimum of a doctoral degree in an academic field of study. A doctoral degree requires three years of study, or more, beyond the master's degree level.Community colleges and career training centers may hire a professor with a master’s degree.Some universities require professors to have completed education coursework. Doctoral students pursue original research in their areas of expertise during the dissertation phase of such programs.ommunity colleges and career training centers may hire a professor with a master’s degree. Some universities require professors to have completed education coursework. Doctoral students pursue original research in their areas of expertise during the dissertation phase of such programs.