How to become an Assistant Professor with online MA English

A career in academia can be very lucrative and gratifying on a personal level. Professors are mentors to students – guiding, inspiring, and encouraging them to develop a love for the subject. Apart from professors, some professionals in academia assist the professors in carrying out their day-to-day duties more effectively. These professionals are Assistant Professors and play an equally important part in the world of teaching. This blog helps you better understand the role of an Assistant Professor in India. It also details how an online MA in English can help you assume this career path. Know all you need to know about the online MA English Assistant Professor career route below.

Is UGC NET required to become an Assistant Professor? 

Until recently, clearing the UGC NET examination was a mandatory requirement for Assistant Professor eligibility with online MA courses. However, the latest draft regulations by the University Grants Commission (UGC) have removed this mandate. This means that clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) is no longer compulsory to pursue the profession of an Assistant Professor in higher education institutions such as colleges and universities. 

The new guidelines propose the following:

• Candidates applying for the position of Assistant Professor will be considered if they have a postgraduate degree with a minimum desired percentage. 
• Candidates holding a PhD degree are exempted from taking the NET exam as an Assistant Professor eligibility with online MA criterion. 

Steps to become an Assistant Professor

It is crucial to begin preparations for the career path of an Assistant Professor right from the school level. Listed below is the exact path that you can take for an online MA English Assistant Professor career:

• Completion of 10+2 and an undergraduate degree are a must for Assistant Professor eligibility with online MA. 
• Students can then proceed to pursue a postgraduate degree, preferably an MA, to be eligible to apply for the role of an Assistant Professor.
• You may also choose to pursue a PhD in a discipline of your choice to further enhance your career prospects and advance from the role of an Assistant Professor to higher positions.
• As per the latest UGC guidelines, NET clearance has been removed as a criterion for becoming an Assistant Professor. Applicants with an online MA in English can pursue Assistant Professor career paths.

Online MA English benefits for teaching

We learned above that the MA English qualification can help candidates assume the role of Assistant Professor. Let us now look at how MA English helps in academia:

• Career progression: A Master’s degree can be highly useful in moving up the career ladder to higher designations. You become eligible to apply for higher managerial and leadership roles in the education industry, such as Lecturer or Professor in English.
• Enhanced earning potential: With a postgraduate degree under your belt, you can claim higher pay packages at prospective jobs. The added qualification improves career prospects for Assistant Professors and also makes them eligible to claim better salaries.
• Comprehensive knowledge: One of the many benefits of online MA English teaching is that the degree equips students with an in-depth knowledge of the particular discipline they aspire to teach. They are thus well-acquainted with their subject and can add value to their respective field. 

Benefits of pursuing online MA English

The section above highlighted how MA English helps in academia. Let us now explore some of the other advantages of pursuing the degree below:

• Seamless transition to other careers: An MA in English allows seamless transitions to other career paths. Those with an interest in writing and aspiring to make it a career can switch roles from Assistant Professor to writer. A Master’s in English helps develop the right skills for the profession.

• Effective communication skills: Students graduating with an MA in English are better equipped with communication abilities – both written and verbal. This is also one of the vital online MA English benefits for teaching, as improved communication enables graduates to better teach students, and speak confidently and persuasively. 

• Flexible learning: Pursuing an MA in English online enables students to study at their own pace, choice of location, and time. This is particularly helpful for working professionals who can accommodate time for learning in their busy work schedules.

Pursue an online MA in English from SMU

This blog detailed some of the ways in how MA English helps in academia and pursue other related career paths. We discussed the importance of the degree in following the career path of an Assistant Professor as well as progressing to other career roles in academia. Moreover, pursuing a degree online helps students and working professionals alike to keep up with other commitments while studying in their own comfortable time.

Sikkim Manipal University offers an online MA English course to those who want to delve deeper into the world of literature. The program prepares students for rewarding career options in education, journalism, PR and communication, and research and analysis sectors. Students are equipped with vital skills in research and cultural analysis, which help them explore diverse career prospects. 

Conclusion

Take the first step to making your dream of teaching a reality with an online MA in English from Sikkim Manipal University. The institution offers a two-year degree on the renowned Online Manipal platform. Whether you are a student exploring your career options after your Bachelor’s or already working in the education sector and want to become an Assistant Professor, this program can help. Give your career a boost with Sikkim Manipal’s online MA in English.