What is the Difference Between Assistant Professor and Associate Professor?

The main differences between an assistant professor and an associate professor are rank, experience, and average salary. Here is a comparison of the two positions:

Assistant Professor:

• Entry-level educational professional in a college or university environment.
• Typically without tenure.
• Higher teaching loads compared to associate professors, depending on negotiation skills.
• Requires a Ph.D., but little college teaching experience.
• Eligible to become an associate professor after several years with the university.

Associate Professor:

• Mid-level tenured faculty member.
• Requires achieving tenure, usually five to seven years into employment with a demonstration of exceptional teaching or research skills.
• May have more funding for research and more responsibilities within the department compared to an assistant professor.
• May chair departmental committees and serve on college-wide committees.

In summary, an associate professor is a mid-level, usually tenured, faculty member with more experience and responsibilities compared to an assistant professor, who is an entry-level educational professional without tenure.

Comparative Table: Assistant Professor vs Associate Professor

The main differences between an assistant professor and an associate professor are rank, experience, and average salary. Here is a table comparing the two positions:

Assistant professors are entry-level faculty members who typically hold a Ph.D. or MPhil degree and have limited teaching experience. They are usually not tenured but may be on a tenure track. Associate professors, on the other hand, are mid-level faculty members who have usually earned tenure or are on the tenure track. They have more responsibilities within their department and may chair departmental committees or serve on college-wide committees.