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Are you a life-long learner? Do you enjoy research? Becoming a university professor might be the job for you!

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What Does A University Professor Do?

  • grades, prepares, and teaches classes to undergraduate and graduate students

  • supervises teaching assistants and graduate students

  • conducts research and experiments

  • writers and publishes scholarly articles and books

  • attends meetings and does administrative work

A professor in his office smiling

Quiz

What do university professors NOT do?

Did you know?

The first female university professor was Laura Bassi at the University of Bologna, Italy. In 1732, she was appointed professor of natural philosophy. Her field was physics, more specifically experimental research of electricity (britannica.com).

What Do You Need To Become A University Professor?

  • finish high school, get a bachelor's (BA) and a master's (MA) degree

  • get some teaching experience while being an assistant

  • participate in research and conduct experiments (if you're in a scientific field)

  • complete a doctorate (PhD) in the area you're interested in

  • publish texts, articles, or books in your field

A professor in a lab opening a bottle. An animated cloud pops out.

Quiz

Laura has five years of teaching experience, a master's and has published a few articles. What other requirements does she need to become a university professor?

How Much Can I Expect To Earn?

Flaticon IconThe average salary in the U.S. between 86,000 and 290,000 USD.

Flaticon IconThe average salary in Canada is between 84,246 and 140,000 CAD.

This Is A Great Career For You If You ...

  • are enthusiastic about research in a specific field.

  • enjoy learning, reading, and writing.

  • are interested in teaching.

  • like a flexible and non-traditional schedule.

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Consider Another Career If You ....

  • prefer a predictable and traditional work schedule.

  • if you are not passionate about one specific subject.

  • if you want to choose where you live and work.

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Take Action

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If you think becoming a university professor is the right path for you:

License:

This Byte has been authored by

LS

Larisa Slacke

Educator & Instructional Designer

English

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