College Professors
Overview
College professors teach students who have graduated from high school, helping them learn specialized subjects like biology, history, psychology, or engineering. They create course materials, grade assignments and exams, and guide students in choosing classes that match their career goals. Professors use modern technology like online learning platforms and hybrid classrooms to reach students both in-person and remotely. They also conduct research in their field, publish academic papers, and work with other faculty members to improve degree programs.
Did you know?
Most postsecondary education teaching positions in the US require a doctoral degree (PhD or EdD) for tenure-track roles and career advancement.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$68,485.40 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Active Learning
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a liaison between the university and other governmental and educational agencies.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Advise and instruct teachers employed in school systems by providing activities, such as in-service seminars.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Supervise students' fieldwork, internship, and research work.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as children's literature, learning and development, and reading instruction.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most postsecondary education teaching positions in the US require a doctoral degree (PhD or EdD) for tenure-track roles and career advancement.
Competitive Academic Job Market
The American higher education market has limited tenure-track positions with intense competition among qualified candidates nationwide.
Research and Publication Expectations
Success in American postsecondary education requires active research, scholarly publications, and grant funding to achieve tenure and promotion.