Professor of Economics
As a Professor of Economics, you will conduct, publish, and disseminate research; teach principles of economics at the undergraduate and graduate levels; and serve on committees to address department-wide policies, curriculum, and activities. If you are passionate about economics and enjoy teaching, then this may be the perfect career for you. There are many paths to becoming a Professor of Economics. Some Professors of Economics earn a bachelor's degree in Economics, while others earn a bachelor's degree in a different field and then go on to earn a master's degree and Ph.D. in Economics.
Education Requirements
To become a Professor of Economics, you must have a Ph.D. in Economics. Typically, the Ph.D. program takes five to seven years to complete. During your Ph.D. program, you will take courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and other related fields. You will also conduct original research and write a dissertation.
Skills and Experience
In addition to a Ph.D. in Economics, you should have strong:
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Quantitative skills
- Research skills
It is also helpful to have experience teaching economics. This experience can be gained through teaching assistantships or by volunteering to teach at a local college or university.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
As a Professor of Economics, your day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on your specific role and institution. However, some common tasks include:
- Teaching classes
- Conducting research
- Publishing papers in academic journals
- Serving on committees
- Advising students
Challenges
There are a number of challenges that you may face as a Professor of Economics. Some of these challenges include: