What does a Professor do?

Professors instruct students in various academic and vocational subjects above the high school level. They conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books from it and work in public and private colleges and universities, professional schools, junior or community colleges, and within career and vocational schools. They teach a wide variety of subjects, from science to math.

Professors develop a curriculum that meets both college and department standards, and they plan lessons and assignments. They assess students' progress through grading papers and tests and advise students about which classes to take to achieve their goals. They conduct research and experiments to advance knowledge in the field where they are employed and supervise graduate students working for a doctorate degree. They serve on academic and administrative committees that review and recommend policies, make budget decisions, and advise on hiring and promotion within their department. Professors need a minimum master's degree; a doctoral degree is typically required for work as a full-time, tenure-track university professor.