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How hard is it to become a tenured professor?

By Kate Swindlehurst - Oct. 12, 2023

Becoming a tenured professor is considered very challenging and competitive, as it requires years of education, research, teaching, as well as significant contributions to one's field.

The process of becoming a tenured professor begins with obtaining a doctoral degree in a specific field. This can take several years of rigorous study and research. After earning a Ph.D., individuals usually start as adjunct or assistant professors, which helps them to gain crucial teaching experience and conduct research.

  • Doctoral Degree: The journey starts with a doctoral degree in the desired field. This process can take anywhere from 4-8 years, depending on the intensity of the program and the time invested by the student.

  • Postdoctoral Research: Following their Ph.D., many aspiring professors engage in postdoctoral research to deepen their expertise and contribute original research to their field. This can take 2-3 years.

  • Assistant Professor: After postdoctoral research, they may secure a position as an assistant professor at a university. During this time, they are expected to teach classes, publish research, and contribute to their academic community.

  • Tenure Track: After several years as an assistant professor, they may be invited to apply for tenure. This process involves a rigorous review of their teaching, research, and service to the university community.

Not all institutions offer tenure, so the competition for tenured positions can be intense. Furthermore, expectations for tenure can vary greatly by institution, department, and field of study.

How hard is it to become a tenured professor?

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