Professor

Professor is an academic title conferred on a university teacher who has attained a senior level. It is typically granted to someone with an advanced degree (usually a doctorate or PhD), a record of research, and substantial teaching experience. A professor is a member of a college or academic department and carries out teaching, research, and administrative duties.

The term derives from the Latin 'professor', meaning one who professes or declares knowledge. Medieval European universities used 'professor' for teachers who held formal permission to teach (licentia docendi). Today it is used worldwide, though its exact meaning varies across educational systems.

Ranks

In the American system, there are three levels: assistant professor (entry level), associate professor (intermediate, typically awarded tenure or job security), and full professor (highest rank). In the British system and many Commonwealth countries, the ranks are lecturer, senior lecturer, reader, and professor—where 'professor' denotes only the highest level and is not a general title for all academic teachers.

Appointment process

The typical procedure requires a candidate to submit an application, which is then evaluated by a peer review committee assessing publications, teaching quality, and research leadership. External references from professors at other universities may also be used. Final approval rests with the university senate or senior administration. Once appointed, the position is not always permanent, though many countries maintain tenure protections that safeguard academic freedom.

Related titles and honorary ranks

A 'professor emeritus' is an honorific title given to a retired professor who retains the designation. 'Adjunct' or 'visiting professor' positions are temporary or part-time. An 'honorary professor' is an honorary title given to someone not in regular employment. Endowed chairs are permanent positions funded by donations, typically named after the donor.

Duties

Professorial work includes teaching courses, supervising master's and doctoral students, writing academic articles and books, seeking research funding, and serving on university committees. Some also take administrative positions such as department head or dean. The balance between teaching and research varies: research-intensive universities emphasize publications, while teaching-focused institutions prioritize classroom instruction.