requirements for university teaching vary in different subjects and in different countries. a phd/dphil is necessary or usual to become a university professor in many fields, especially in science. however, many famous professors have not had higher degrees, though that is less common today. in some fields, there is no phd/dphil, and so another degree is required to become a university professor. for example, the highest degree in fine arts fields such as printmaking or graphic design is the master of fine arts (mfa) degree. a person with an mfa degree can become a university professor in some fine arts fields.