A professor is a senior academic who teaches and conducts research at a university. The title carries prestige and usually tenure, meaning protection from arbitrary dismissal. Professors spend years earning a doctorate, publishing research, and building a reputation before reaching the rank.

The job is not just teaching. Professors write books and articles, apply for grants, supervise graduate students, and serve on committees. Teaching loads vary. At research universities, professors may teach one or two courses per semester. At teaching colleges, the load is heavier.

The path to professor is long and uncertain. Many qualified candidates compete for few openings. Adjunct and contingent faculty now teach a large share of courses, often for low pay and no job security. The gap between the idealized professor and the reality of academic work has widened.

Ranks

• Assistant professor
• Associate professor
• Full professor
• Emeritus professor
• Adjunct or contingent faculty