What is an associate professor?

An associate professor is a faculty member at a college or university who holds a rank between assistant professor and full professor. Here's some information about them:

• Responsibilities: Associate professors typically teach undergraduate and graduate courses, conduct research, advise students, serve on committees, and participate in university service. They usually have a heavier teaching load than full professors but less than assistant professors, depending on the institution and their specific contract. The balance between teaching, research, and service varies widely based on the institution's priorities and the individual's field.

• Qualifications: Becoming an associate professor generally requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.) in their field and several years of experience as an assistant professor. Promotion to associate professor often involves a rigorous review process, including peer evaluation of their teaching, research publications, grant funding (if applicable), and service to the university and their field.

• Tenure Track: In many institutions, associate professorships are on a tenure track. This means that after a successful period as an associate professor, they may be considered for tenure, which provides job security and a long-term appointment. Not all associate professors are on the tenure track; some may hold non-tenure track positions.

• Salary & Benefits: Associate professors' salaries vary widely depending on factors such as the institution (public vs. private, research vs. teaching focused), geographic location, experience, field, and the specific contract negotiated. They typically receive benefits packages including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

• Research & Publication: The level of research activity expected of an associate professor varies depending on the institution and their field. They are expected to continue publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and/or presenting at conferences, contributing to their field's knowledge and academic standing.

In short, an associate professor is a seasoned academic professional with significant expertise in their field who plays a crucial role in teaching, research, and university life. They are a step toward the highest academic rank, full professor, but represent a significant achievement in their own right.