Do you need a Ph.D. to be an associate professor?

No, you do not need a Ph.D. to be an associate professor. While some colleges and universities may require a Ph.D. to be an associate professor, the minimum requirement for the position is a master's degree in their field.

How does an associate professor become a professor?

An associate professor becomes a full professor when they have achieved the necessary experience and can be promoted to a higher-level position. This means gaining their Ph.D. if they do not already have one and fulfilling all the teaching requirements necessary for promotion.

How many years does it take to become an associate professor?

It typically takes about five to seven years after gaining a master's degree or completing a doctoral program to become an associate professor. Although some graduates might get hired at the associate professor level, most work their way up through the ranks, beginning as lecturers or assistant professors.

What is the difference between a professor and an associate professor?

The difference between a professor and an associate professor is their professional rank in the college and university setting. A professor is the most senior-level university educator who has achieved the highest promotion available on the tenure track.

How To Become An Associate Professor: What It Is and Career Path

What is an associate professor and how to become one

Updated June 25, 2024

6 min read

Quoted Experts

Rebecca Sarver,

Christopher Was Ph.D.

An associate professor is an academic staff member, ranking below a full professor, who works in higher education institutions like universities and colleges. They teach classes related to their field of expertise, conduct research, supervise students, and attend conferences. Associate professors are expected to have strong knowledge in their subject area and excellent communication skills. They often facilitate courses using online platforms, design curriculums, and implement assessment components. They may also chair academic departments, coordinate graduate programs, and mentor students. In some cases, they manage research projects, publish articles in academic journals, and provide technical reports for publication.

What general advice would you give to an Associate Professor?

Rebecca Sarver

Lecturer in Human Services Studies, Elmira College

Listen more than you talk. There is so much to be learned from clients, seasoned human service workers, and the community that you work within. By listening and observing versus always feeling compelled to speak, you will learn job skills, people skills, and your clients' needs.

How long does it takes to become an associate professor?

It typically takes 6-8 years to become an associate professor:

Years 1-4: Obtaining a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as education, psychology, or sociology.
Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience in teaching, research, and academic administration.
Years 7-8: Continuing to gain experience and demonstrating excellence in teaching, research, and service to progress to the rank of associate professor.

ScoreAssociate ProfessorUS Average

Salary

7.7

Avg. Salary $103,292

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.8

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 17.11%

Black or African American 6.55%

Hispanic or Latino 9.38%

Unknown 4.83%

White 61.85%

Gender

female 42.99%

male 57.01%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress Level

4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

9.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

8.9

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Associate Professor career paths

Associate professors can move on to become professors, department chairpersons, or even deans. They can also transition into roles like scientists, laboratory managers, or project managers. In the education field, they might become principals, assistant principals, or educational managers. Some may even become co-founders or founders of their own organizations.

Key steps to become an associate professor

Explore associate professor education requirements

The educational requirements for an associate professor are typically a master's degree or a doctorate in their respective field. According to J. Aaron Simmons Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at Furman University, "From entrepreneurs to lawyers, from journalists to consultants, from professors to physicians, philosophy majors can do it all." This highlights the versatility of advanced degrees in various fields.

In terms of job opportunities, Russell Olwell Ph.D., Associate Dean at Merrimack College, notes that "Job seekers who kept their eyes open, had identified places they wanted to work, and had their materials ready to go were rewarded." This suggests that proactive job searching and preparation can lead to successful outcomes for associate professors.

Most common associate professor degrees

Bachelor's

43.3 %

Doctorate

25.2 %

Master's

24.0 %

Start to develop specific associate professor skills

Associate professors use a variety of skills in their work. They develop and implement curricula, facilitate courses, and coordinate programs. They also mentor students, provide feedback, and manage research projects. According to Catherine Dunkin, a Lecturer of Management at Washington University in St Louis, "Communication Skills, Business Acumen, and Creativity and Design Skills" are critical competencies for associate professors. She adds, "Graduates who can combine healthy critical thinking and communication skills should find positions available nearly anywhere they would like to live and work."

Skills	Percentages
Patients	14.81%
Public Health	10.54%
Philosophy	7.98%
Pediatrics	4.35%
Social Work	3.90%

Research associate professor duties and responsibilities

Associate professors have a wide range of responsibilities. They teach and develop coursework, often using various platforms and methods to facilitate learning. They also manage programs, supervise projects, and mentor students. Some associate professors are involved in research and grant projects, while others focus on curriculum development and assessment. As Tillman W. Nechtman Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Skidmore College, points out, "History Majors do well in the job market. because they learn to take lots of data. and synthesize it. They give it two frames. First, they weave it into a narrative form, a story, if you will. Second, they give that narrative analytical meaning."

Develop and manage syllabus materials and coordinate curriculum with department chairs.
Design exams relevant to material cover up to exam date.
Train in and design hybrid and online courses in accounting, economics, and finance.
Provide training in basic military tactics, leadership procedures, operations orders, and ethics.

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