So, how hard is it to become a professor?

[Syringer]

What sort of undergrad GPA from UCLA would I need in my math/econ major to pursue a Ph. D in either subject in hopes of teachining at a university level one day?

 

[Lager]

Originally posted by: Syringer
What sort of undergrad GPA from UCLA would I need in my math/econ major to pursue a Ph. D in either subject in hopes of teachining at a university level one day?

You got to have connections.

 

[biffbacon]

judging from some professors ive had, its not too hard assuming your socially impaired.... " Those who cant, teach"

 

[Spac3d]

Are you a minority by any chance?

 

[SackOfAllTrades]

you can become a lecturer without a ph.d, but then no one can call you doctor. there are plenty of teachers of college classes that don't have a ph.d whether they are guest lecturers or grad students or whatever.

 

[Hector13]

Originally posted by: Syringer
What sort of undergrad GPA from UCLA would I need in my math/econ major to pursue a Ph. D in either subject in hopes of teachining at a university level one day?

perhaps you should actually go to school and graduate first with a BS before worrying about what you need to do to become a professor. A lot of things will change between now and and the day you graduate.

 

[HokieESM]

Focus on getting through undergrad. Undergrad has VERY little impact on grad school--other than VERY basic fundamentals, a work ethic, and, of course, getting in. Once your in, you should spend your masters figuring out what you like to do--because graduate work (and being a professor) involves research. Particularly if you want to be a professor at a major university--most DEMAND that you bring in a certain amount in research grants and/or fund graduate students.

I'm currently in my last (hopefully) year of my PhD in engineering mechanics. I plan to go onto academia--because I truly enjoy teaching AND I like doing research. But I have a LOT of friends who said "I want to get a PhD" that have fallen by the wayside--never because of talent or ability, but more because 1) they found something else they wanted to do or 2) by the end of their masters degree, they couldn't deal with the horror of being a graduate student (because, trust me, if you have ever felt unappreciated and underpaid, get a bad advisor for your masters or PhD.... it will definitely give you a new perspective).

But anyhow... work on finishing that undergrad. Do a little undergrad research, if possible. Explore your options. A PhD in math usually encompasses a two year masters and then a three to four year PhD.... its a LONG commitment (some people go directly to a five year PhD program... but I hesitate to recommend it, because if you decide you want out, you don't get a degree, whereas you can quit after a masters).

 

[gopunk]

Originally posted by: biffbacon
judging from some professors ive had, its not too hard assuming your socially impaired.... " Those who cant, teach"

most top universities hire professors based on their ability to do research.