University Professors and Lecturers

Nature of work

University professors and lecturers teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students and conduct research at universities. Some university professors are hired on a course-by-course basis only to teach. University professors who are heads of departments are included in this group. University professors and lecturers specialize in a subject like biology, chemistry, anatomy, history, English, sociology, business administration or law.

Job duties

University professors and lecturers:

• Teach one or more university subjects to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to students and conduct laboratory sessions or discussion groups.
• Prepare, administer, and grade examinations, laboratory assignments and reports.
• Advise students on course and academic matters and career decisions.
• Direct research programs of graduate students and advise on research matters.
• Conduct research in field of specialization and publish findings in scholarly journals or books.
• May serve on faculty committees dealing with matters like curriculum planning and degree requirements and perform a variety of administrative duties.
• May represent their universities as speakers and guest lecturers.
• May provide consulting services to government, industry, and private individuals.

Sample job titles

• assistant professor
• associate professor
• department chairperson
• postdoctoral fellow
• research professor
• university department head
• university lecturer
• university professor
• visiting professor
• visiting scholar

Skills

• You should be intellectual, inquisitive, and analytical, and have a strong desire to pursue and pass on knowledge. You must be able to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms, as university faculty are expected to publish articles regularly as well as lecture. The ability to carry out and analyze research is also important. Strong planning and leadership skills are essential. You must be able to inspire confidence and motivate students to learn. As well, you must be a self-starter, as universities are decentralized institutions in which to work.

Job requirements

• A doctoral degree in the field of specialization is required for university professors.
• A master's degree in the field of specialization is required for university lecturers.
• Licences or professional certification may be required for professors teaching future practitioners in certain professionally regulated fields like medicine, engineering, architecture, psychology or law.

Other considerations

• University faculty members generally have flexible work schedules. They may work staggered hours and teach classes in the evening. Most university teaching and research assistants are employed on a part-time basis. University professors who are also practitioners in their field of specialization must have the appropriate licences or certification. Progression to senior positions within a department, faculty or university is possible with experience.

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

There are no additional resources for this occupation.