A university scholar who teaches advanced courses, conducts research, and mentors students.
What professors do
Professors teach undergraduate and graduate courses, advise students, conduct research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, write books, secure grants, and serve on university committees. Senior faculty often direct research labs and graduate programs.
Training path
Most US professors earn a doctorate in their field, often spending five to seven years on graduate work and a dissertation. Tenure-track positions follow several years of postdoctoral or visiting roles. Promotion to tenured professor requires sustained research, teaching, and service.
Settings
Professors work in research universities, teaching-focused colleges, community colleges, professional schools such as law and medicine, and online universities. Practicing professionals also serve as adjuncts teaching applied courses.
Find more professions by letter
Professor starts with P and ends with R. Browse other professions along the same letter.
Professions that contain a letter from "Professor":