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A '''professor''' is an academic of the highest rank at a [[college]] or [[university]].

A '''professor''' is an academic of the highest rank at a [[college]] or [[university]]. Professors perform [[research]] and teach courses on their area of expertise.

The highest academic rank is based on [[peer review]] of the scholar's work, and a process of election by his peers as specified by the rules of each college or university.

The highest academic rank is based on [[peer review]] of the scholar's work, and a process of election by his peers as specified by the rules of each college or university. Once elected to the rank of (associate) professor, the colleague has achieved [[tenure]] and cannot be fired or laid off from their position, except for criminal action.

 

Most colleges and universities require professors to have a [[PhD]], [[MD]] or [[JD]] [[degree]]. People with lower level degrees such as a [[Masters]] degree usually can only take teaching positions. In fields such as [[business]], [[public policy]], foreign languages ([[linguistics]]), and [[literature]] it is fairly common for professorships to be awarded to people without advanced degrees but who have had substantial real-world experience. Occasionally, universities will give a prominent person an honorary professorship even if that person does not have an advanced degree. Such positions are symbolic and do not carry the teaching or research responsibilities demanded of other professors.

== Types of Professors ==

== Types of Professors ==

*'''Professor''' ''(general)'' - A college or university teacher who ranks above an Associate Professor. Sometimes colloquially referred to as a "full Professor."

*'''Professor''' ''(general)'' - A college or university teacher who ranks above an Associate Professor. Sometimes colloquially referred to as a "full Professor."

*'''Associate Professor''' - A college or university professor who ranks above an Assistant Professor and below a Professor. Assistant Professors typically gain the rank of Associate upon earning [[tenure]].

*'''Associate Professor''' - A college or university professor who ranks above an Assistant Professor and below a Professor. Assistant Professors typically gain the rank of Associate upon earning tenure.

*'''Assistant Professor''' - A college or university teacher who ranks above an instructor and below an associate professor. This is a typical entry-level position; Assistant Professor usually do not have tenure.

*'''Assistant Professor''' - A college or university teacher who ranks above an instructor and below an associate professor. This is a typical entry-level position; Assistant Professor usually do not have tenure.