Postsecondary Professor: A Complete Career Overview
Reviewed Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023), American Association of University Professors (AAUP), Chronicle of Higher Education
Last Updated: August 31, 2025
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Duties, salaries, and tenure requirements vary by institution, discipline, and state.
1. Introduction: Why Postsecondary Professors Matter
Universities are hubs of knowledge, innovation, and mentorship. Postsecondary professors teach specialized subjects, conduct research, and guide the next generation of professionals. At a time when higher education is evolving with online platforms, AI-driven tools, and shifting demographics, professors remain central to advancing scholarship and shaping society.
https://youtu.be/yyxCRZt_V7Y?si=_ocZuJjQsfEi45AL
2. Definition
A postsecondary professor is an educator and researcher at colleges, universities, or professional schools. Their work includes teaching, publishing research, mentoring students, and contributing to academic governance.
Key Fact (BLS, 2023):
Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average for all occupations.
3. Main Duties
- Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in their subject area
- Conduct original research and publish in academic journals
- Supervise student research, theses, and dissertations
- Apply for grants and secure funding for research projects
- Serve on academic committees and contribute to curriculum design
- Advise students on academic and career paths
- Participate in conferences, peer review, and academic communities
4. Salary & Economics
- Median Annual Wage (BLS, May 2023): ~$84,380 (varies widely by subject)
- STEM Professors: $100,000+ median
- Humanities Professors: ~$70,000 median
- Top Tier Research Universities: Professors often earn $150,000+
Economic Note:
Tenure-track positions are competitive, and many professors begin as adjuncts or lecturers with lower salaries and limited job security. However, tenured professors enjoy high stability and strong benefits.
5. Education & Licensing Path
- Bachelor’s Degree in chosen subject
- Graduate Education: Master’s and most often a Ph.D.
- Postdoctoral Research (STEM fields): often required for tenure-track positions
- Certifications: Not required, though specialized teaching credentials may help in professional schools (e.g., law, business, medicine)
FAQ: Do you need a Ph.D. to be a college professor?
→ In most cases, yes. Community colleges may hire instructors with a master’s degree, but tenure-track positions at universities usually require a Ph.D.
6. Career Path & Specializations
- Lecturer / Adjunct Faculty – part-time or contract positions
- Assistant Professor – entry-level tenure-track role
- Associate Professor – mid-career with tenure
- Full Professor – senior academic leadership in research and teaching
- Specializations by Discipline: STEM, humanities, social sciences, arts, professional schools
7. Social Value
Professors advance human knowledge while training future leaders. Their dual role as researchers and educators makes them essential to innovation, democracy, and cultural preservation.
8. Work-Life Balance
- Teaching Load: 2–4 courses per semester, depending on institution
- Research Universities: less teaching, more research
- Liberal Arts Colleges: more teaching, less research focus
- Challenges: balancing grant applications, research deadlines, and teaching duties
- Upside: academic freedom and intellectual fulfillment
9. Diversity & Inclusion
Universities increasingly focus on diversifying faculty to better reflect student populations. Initiatives aim to recruit women and underrepresented minorities in STEM, humanities, and leadership roles.
10. Student-Centered Approach
Professors mentor students beyond coursework—supporting their intellectual growth, career ambitions, and personal resilience. The student-professor relationship often becomes a lifelong professional influence.
11. Future Outlook
- BLS Projection: Strong growth, particularly in STEM and healthcare fields
- Emerging Trends:
- Hybrid & Online Teaching Models: more professors teaching via digital platforms
- AI in Academia: AI supporting grading, research analysis, and adaptive learning
- Interdisciplinary Research: growing demand for cross-field expertise
- Global Education Market: international collaborations and online degree programs
https://youtu.be/GhddJL9St0Q?si=hd9dfXwaYLZGXAzM
12. Pros & Cons
Pros
- High intellectual fulfillment and autonomy
- Strong social impact through teaching and research
- Opportunities for international collaboration
- Tenure offers job security and academic freedom
Cons
- Highly competitive job market for tenure-track positions
- Pressure to publish (“publish or perish” culture)
- Long years of graduate study and postdoctoral work
- Workload can blur personal/work boundaries
13. Real Experiences
“The most rewarding part of being a professor is seeing students develop original ideas and watching them succeed in careers that shape the world.” – University Professor
https://youtu.be/NAv4Pvj1cWA?si=9MeJ1r1NU2gzd7vG
Conclusion
Postsecondary professors are educators, researchers, and mentors who expand knowledge and nurture the next generation. Their careers offer intellectual challenge, meaningful impact, and opportunities for global collaboration.
Key Takeaway:
For those with a passion for research, teaching, and lifelong learning, becoming a professor is one of the most respected and fulfilling career paths.
Data & Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postsecondary Teachers, May 2023
- American Association of University Professors (AAUP) – Faculty Resources & Policies
- Chronicle of Higher Education – Trends in Faculty Careers
- YouTube Video References: A Day in the Life of a University Professor, The Future of Higher Education | Technology and Global Learning, My Journey to Becoming a College Professor
Related Careers:
- High School Teacher
- Research Scientist
- Instructional Coordinator
- Education Administrator
- Librarian / Archivist