Can you become a professor right after PhD?

Most newly-minted PhDs are hired as assistant professors, promoted to associate upon achieving tenure, and go through an additional review, five to seven years later, for promotion to full professor.

What percentage of tenure track professors get tenure?

Only about 1 in 5 faculty members in the academic labor force are tenured, and the percentage is declining, according to the AAUP.

Can you teach without PhD?

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to become a college professor without a Ph. D. College professor requirements vary from school to school. Most often, schools require potential professors to have some kind of advanced degree, such as a Master of Science or a Master of Arts.

How many tenure track positions should you have?

If your school limits the number of tenure track positions to six and there are six tenured faculty members and two recent hires ahead of you looking for tenure, then it would be best to keep yourself marketable. You have to possibility of lifetime employment. Your path to tenure is usually well documented. Your academic freedom is protected.

What are the pros and cons of non-tenure track teaching jobs?

As long as you are good at teaching your contract will most likely be renewed. You will most likely earn less in a non-tenure track position. Non-tenure track positions are the first to go when there are financial problems. There is no guarantee of lifetime employment.

What are the disadvantages of tenure?

Your path to tenure is usually well documented. Your academic freedom is protected. You may be reticent to express yourself before you have tenure. Your publishing and teaching priorities may be dictated by the institution. Getting tenure may cause people to be reluctant to give it up or try new things.

Can a faculty member be let go for any reason?

As late as 100 years ago faculty members served at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees, meaning that they could be let go at any time and for any reason. If a donor or administrator did like a faculty member or what the faculty member said, they could be let go, regardless of how long they had been employed.