A College Professor plays a vital role in shaping the educational experiences of students at institutions of higher learning. With responsibilities that extend beyond teaching, college professors engage in research, curriculum development, and mentoring students.
They foster critical thinking, encourage academic growth, and contribute to the overall mission of their institutions. This comprehensive job description template outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications necessary for aspiring candidates.
Whether you are looking to draft a job listing or understand the role better, this guide provides valuable insights into the expectations and contributions of a college professor.
College Professors are responsible for a variety of tasks, including delivering lectures, designing course materials, and assessing student performance. They conduct research in their field of expertise, publish findings in academic journals, and participate in faculty meetings.
Professors are also expected to advise students on academic and career goals, engage in professional development activities, and contribute to departmental initiatives. Additional responsibilities may include supervising graduate students and serving on academic committees.
To become a College Professor, candidates typically need a minimum of a Master's degree in their teaching discipline; however, a Doctorate is often preferred. Strong communication skills, a passion for teaching, and a dedication to student success are crucial for this role.
Experience in academia, a record of research publications, and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues are also important qualifications. Depending on the institution, teaching experience may be required or preferred.
Key skills for a successful College Professor include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, effective time management, and proficiency in educational technologies. Professors must be adept at engaging students through innovative teaching methods and possess excellent interpersonal skills to foster relationships with students and faculty alike.
Continuous learning and adaptability are essential to stay current in their field and enhance teaching practices.
College Professors can advance their careers through various pathways, including achieving tenure, taking on administrative roles, or leading research projects. Opportunities for professional development, such as attending conferences or furthering education, can also contribute to career growth.
Professors may pursue leadership positions such as department chair or dean, influencing departmental policies and practices.
College Professors typically work in a classroom setting, research labs, and administrative offices. Their schedule may include evening classes or weekend seminars, depending on the institution's needs.
Professors at research universities may dedicate significant time to conducting research and publishing their findings, while those at teaching-focused colleges may prioritize classroom instruction and student engagement.
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Key Responsibilities
### 1.
- •Deliver 3–6 weekly contact hours for undergraduate or graduate courses; prepare 2–4 hours of course materials per contact hour.
- •Update syllabi, learning objectives, and assignments each semester to meet accreditation standards and improve student pass rates by 5–10% year-over-year.
- •Why it matters: High-quality instruction drives retention, program rankings, and student outcomes.
### 2.
- •Grade 50–200 pieces of student work per course per term, provide constructive feedback within 7–10 business days, and use rubrics to ensure consistency.
- •Why it matters: Timely assessments improve learning and reduce grade disputes.
### 3.
- •Hold 4–6 office hours weekly; advise 10–30 students per term on academic planning, internships, and research projects.
- •Track advisee progress and escalate issues to academic support when at-risk students fall below a 2.0 GPA.
### 4.
- •Produce 1–3 peer-reviewed publications per year, present at 1–2 conferences, and pursue external grants ($20K–$300K).
- •Why it matters: Research attracts funding, raises departmental profile, and informs teaching with current findings.
### 5.
- •Serve on 2–4 departmental or university committees per year (curriculum, hiring, assessment). Attend monthly meetings and produce meeting notes or action items.
### 6.
- •Lead or contribute to program reviews, update learning outcomes, and implement assessment plans to meet accreditation timelines every 3–7 years.
### 7.
- •Develop 1–3 partnerships with local employers for internships, co‑ops, or applied research projects, generating student placement rates and potential sponsored research.
Actionable takeaway: Prioritize a balanced weekly schedule—teaching prep, 4–6 office hours, 8–12 hours for research—and track outcomes (grades, publications, partnerships) each term.
Required Qualifications
#### Technical skills
- •Subject mastery: PhD-level knowledge in discipline for tenure-track roles (Master’s acceptable for adjuncts). Use this daily when lecturing and designing advanced seminars.
- •Research methods & tools: Proficiency with statistical packages (R, SPSS), coding (Python, MATLAB), or lab equipment. Required to analyze data, supervise student projects, and publish results.
- •Learning management systems: Experience with Canvas, Blackboard or Moodle to post materials, grade, and run quizzes; expect 3–5 hours/week managing LMS.
#### Soft skills
- •Clear communication: Explain complex ideas to 20–200 students and write grant proposals; improves student evaluations by measurable margins.
- •Time management: Balance 40–60 hour weeks across teaching, research, and service; schedule blocks for grading and research to meet deadlines.
- •Mentorship and conflict resolution: Advise 10–30 students per term and resolve academic or interpersonal issues promptly.
#### Education / certifications
- •Must-have: PhD in field for tenure-track; Master’s or terminal professional degree for instructor roles.
- •Nice-to-have: Postdoctoral experience, teaching certification (e.g., Certificate in College Teaching), or leadership training for promotion readiness.
#### Experience requirements
- •Must-have: 2+ years teaching college-level courses or adjunct experience; 3+ peer-reviewed publications or equivalent creative works.
- •Preferred: Track record securing grants ($20K+), supervising undergraduate or graduate research, and participating in accreditation or curriculum committees.
Actionable takeaway: On your CV, highlight 2–3 quantifiable teaching results (retention, evaluation scores), list 3 recent publications, and note any grants or supervised theses.