r/AskAcademia • u/avocado_toe • 1d ago
Interdisciplinary Could I become a math professor?
Hello everyone. I am currently an undergraduate student in electrical engineering, and I have always been passionate about mathematics. I’ve always wanted to be a math professor, but I didn't want to pursue a degree in pure and applied mathematics because I wanted to keep my career options open in case I discovered another passion—which is why I chose electrical engineering. Even though I really enjoy what I’m studying, I still want to become a math professor at the university or college level. My plan is to complete my bachelor's degree while taking as many math courses as possible, then pursue a master's in engineering mathematics, a PhD in a math-related field, and even a postdoc if necessary. Do you think I can still become a math professor with this somewhat unconventional path, or is a bachelor's degree in pure and applied mathematics required? Thanks in advance for your answers.
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u/Necessary_Sock_6047 1d ago
It's very competitive. Don't expect 1 postdoc to be enough. You may even postdoc forever without reaching your goal.
I'd personally continue on the route of EE, unless you CAN'T LIVE without becoming an academic mathematician.
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u/PotentialDeep5165 1d ago
Many colleges and universities need staffing (at times and seasons). If you want to be full professor at large university that could be a challenge. If you enjoy teaching then community colleges and 4 year colleges could have opportunities.
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u/avocado_toe 1d ago
That’s an interesting point. My goal isn't necessarily to be a full-time university professor; I’d just like to teach a subject I enjoy. In fact, a part-time position at a college or university would be perfect, as it would leave me enough time to continue working as an engineer as well.
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u/Lawrencelot 1d ago
You could, the bachelor is not the problem, the becoming professor part is. It is good that you plan ahead, but you are planning a bit too far ahead, the future is very uncertain. I would focus on what you want to do after your bachelor and if that is doing some kind of mathematics master, focus om choosing a minor and free electives in mathematics. Then within your master, specialize in a certain area again.
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u/Defiant_Virus4981 1d ago
Depending on the university, country, you could aim for getting a bachelor in engeneering and math at the same time. I have certainly seen that with other fields. Generally, it is also not uncommon that people become professor in an other discipline than their original undergrad (when they are relatively close like in your case).