Considering a Ph.D. in HR: Do I Need a Master's First for an Academic Career?

Hello seniors, I have completed my MBA in HR from Sikkim Manipal University, and I graduated last year. Prior to that, I pursued my B.Sc in Physics. I am interested in pursuing a career in academia and am considering obtaining a Ph.D.

Guidance Needed for Academic Career Path

Seniors, I seek your guidance on the following:

1. **Is it necessary for me to pursue a Master's degree in addition to a Ph.D. if I aim to establish myself as a Faculty member?** If so, can I pursue an M.Com in HR/Management without completing an M.Sc.?

2. **What are the criteria I need to consider?**

Please reply soon.

Dear Pmon,

One of the reasons why you get no responses for such questions is that many academics are not members at CiteHr. I remember being in touch with you over a year ago when you were doing your project. If you just want to teach in a college, you do not need to do a Ph.D. However, a Ph.D. would be required if you want to go up the ladder and become a HOD or a Principal in a college in India. Whether you need to do another Master's degree depends upon the subject you want to teach. If you are thinking of becoming a management faculty, then an MBA will do, and you can go for a Ph.D.

Best wishes,
Simhan
A retired academic in the UK

If you want to teach in MBA institutes, you need first-class performance throughout your academic career. Secondly, an MBA with distinction will be preferred. Regular MBA is given more importance. Pursuing a Ph.D. can help you advance to positions such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor. Engaging in research work along with experience will lead to salary increments. A Ph.D. is advisable if you aspire to become a Lecturer.

If you aim to join UGC-approved colleges, NET SET is essential. Therefore, you can start preparing for the same. Meanwhile, you can consider joining an institute as a Visiting Faculty, which will provide you with significant exposure and an opportunity to evaluate your decision of becoming a lecturer.

Hope this addresses your queries.

ALL THE BEST!

Regards,
Prof. Muktai Chavan
Faculty - Nagpur