Dave Barry is often referred to as a humourist. I've wondered about this designation. How exactly does one qualify to become a humourist?

Is there some kind of professional training, like a degree program in practical humourology? Are you permitted to practice humour without proper education and training? Is there a professional society of humourism?

I can imagine a humourology professor saying, "After four years as an undergraduate, I earned my Bachelor of Humourous Arts. I majored in double-entendre and gaffes, but I also had a particular interest in Spoonerisms. When I graduated, I stayed on to get my PhD. They said I couldn't do it, but when they laughed openly at me, that's when I knew I had a gift."

For those who don't want to commit to years of study, there's a six-month diploma program, but you're only allowed to call yourself a humour technician.