Professoriate

The professoriate represents a collective of professionals that carry the title of professor. A professor, also called a faculty member or an instructor, holds expertise in an academic discipline (e.g., biology, education, sociology). This expertise is obtained through years of study at the postgraduate level. In most cases, and especially when they are employed in a 4-year university rather than a vocational institute or a community college, a professor will possess a doctoral degree (e.g., doctor of philosophy, doctor of education). Professors are hired to teach college students and conduct research related to their academic discipline, which is sometimes referred to as fields of study. In addition to teaching and conducting research, professors are expected to conduct service, which can include administrative responsibilities within one’s ...