For academics passionate about research and teaching becoming an assistant professor allows you to build a career in higher education. It’s a role where you can share your subject matter expertise with students, publish groundbreaking research and help shape your field.
While the path requires advanced degrees and laser focus, it offers intangible rewards for those drawn to campus life This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about succeeding as an aspiring assistant professor
What Does an Assistant Professor Do?
Assistant professor roles blend teaching, research, and administrative duties. While specific responsibilities vary by institution, they typically include:
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Teaching – Assistant professors usually instruct 2 courses per semester. This involves lecturing leading discussions, developing assignments and evaluating students. For newer professors, teaching established courses is more common than designing new curriculums.
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Research – Most assistant professors must continuously publish studies and papers to advance knowledge in their discipline. The pressure to regularly produce influential research is especially high at large universities.
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Service – Assistant professors serve on academic committees, advise students, oversee extracurriculars, organize conferences and events, and assist with administrative tasks. Higher education experience is valued.
The tenure process adds further demands. Assistant professors on the tenure-track must prove themselves in their roles to achieve permanent appointments. It’s a major milestone in an academic career.
Education and Skills Needed
Earning a Ph.D. in your field is mandatory for assistant professor positions. However, institutions also look for well-rounded candidates with specialized expertise, teaching competencies, and soft skills like:
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Doctoral degree – A Ph.D. is required to teach at the university level and conduct independent research. It usually takes 5-6 years of full-time study after a bachelor’s degree.
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Strong research skills – Excellence in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is expected. Publications in prestigious journals boost prospects.
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Teaching experience – Having taught classes as a doctoral candidate or graduate teaching assistant is preferred. Strong classroom management abilities are a plus.
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Communication skills – You need to convey complex concepts clearly to students. Strong writing and public speaking skills are essential.
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Leadership – Demonstrated abilities to mentor students, lead teams, and manage projects helps you stand out.
Gaining relevant experience before applying for assistant professor openings improves chances significantly. Post-doctoral research appointments, lecturing, and published works all strengthen your candidacy.
Key Steps to Becoming an Assistant Professor
The typical career path to becoming an assistant professor includes:
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Earn a bachelor’s degree – A B.A. or B.S. in your intended field provides fundamental knowledge to build on. College teaching experience through TA roles is helpful.
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Get a master’s degree (optional) – Some newly minted Ph.D.’s skip this step and enter doctoral programs directly. Earning an M.A. or M.S. can strengthen research skills.
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Complete a Ph.D. program – A doctorate is mandatory for assistant professor roles. Programs take 5+ years and require extensive research and dissertation defense.
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Gain experience – Postdoctoral research and lecturer roles provide valued experience. Having published studies also boosts prospects when applying for professorships.
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Apply for assistant professor openings – Jobs are advertised on university websites and academic job boards. The selection process often includes demonstrating teaching abilities.
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Achieve tenure (if tenure-track) – Within 5-7 years, assistant professors typically undergo rigorous tenure reviews involving research, teaching effectiveness, and service contributions.
Being flexible on location is key, as academic jobs tend to cluster regionally. Patience and persistence are vital, as finding the perfect professorship can take time.
Salaries for Assistant Professors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for postsecondary teachers is $79,540 per year. However, assistant professor pay varies significantly based on:
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Type of institution – Professors at private colleges or elite universities earn more. Public university and community college salaries tend to be lower.
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Academic discipline – STEM and business professorships garner higher pay compared to social sciences, arts and humanities roles.
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Years of experience – Salaries increase steadily with more time in academia. Tenured professors earn top wages.
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Geographic region – Pay scales are higher in metropolitan areas and certain states like New York and California.
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Grants and funding – Landing competitive research grants or contracts can provide salary boosts at many institutions.
Across fields, assistant professor salaries range from approximately $60,000 to $100,000 annually. Signing bonuses, summer salary, and excellent benefits are commonly offered too.
Job Outlook for Assistant Professors
The job outlook for postsecondary teachers is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college professor roles are projected to grow 9% from 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This equals about 41,700 new openings.
Demand is rising as college enrollment expands with more students graduating high school and attending college. However, securing tenure-track roles remains competitive. Applicants who demonstrate exceptional research potential in their field have the best prospects.
Financially, assistant professor positions offer good pay and benefits. Intangible perks include flexible schedules, independence, and the joy of cultivating curious minds. For prospective academics seeking to make unique contributions to society through research and instruction, it’s an unparalleled career choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an assistant professor?
The typical timeline is 9-10 years after high school. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 5-6 years for a Ph.D., plus postdoctoral research or teaching experience. Total time can be shorter in accelerated degree programs.
What is the difference between an assistant, associate, and full professor?
Assistant professor is an entry-level tenure-track position. Associate professor is the mid-level role achieved after gaining tenure. Full professorship is the highest permanent faculty rank.
Do you need work experience to become an assistant professor?
Most institutions want candidates with teaching, research, or lecturer experience. Postdoctoral research appointments and published studies help applicants stand out.
What percentage of professors get tenure?
Estimates indicate between 50-70% of assistant professors achieve tenure. Success depends on your research productivity, teaching effectiveness, and service contributions.
Can you become an assistant professor with just a master’s degree?
Very rarely. A doctoral degree is considered the minimum credential. However, some community colleges hire master’s degree holders as instructors.
