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University professors live and work with an eye towards the future, as they conduct cutting edge research while also teaching the next generation of students. University professors specialize in a particular area; some are scientists, working in chemistry, engineering, or Biology, while others are humanists, specializing in English, history, or philosophy. Professors make their home in departments of colleges and universities, conducting research in their discipline and publishing papers and books as a result of their research. Professors are also expected to teach courses during the academic year, and thus must know how to communicate their discipline to both undergraduate and graduate students. Many university professors serve on committees at the department and college levels.

A university professor job is a well-respected and highly sought after position. Professors get summers off from teaching, though many use this time to continue their research. After seven years of research, teaching, and service, qualified tenure-track professors may be awarded tenure. Professors with tenure are very difficult, if not impossible, to fire, giving professors job security and assurances of academic freedom.

A university professor's salary depends on a number of factors, including geography, type and prestige of school, specialization, experience, and rank. The average salary for all post-secondary teachers was $58,830 in 2008. Competition for these jobs is expected to be fierce, though improving as 'baby boomer' professors retire on masse. This mass exodus of professors will be countered by trimmed university budgets and other cutbacks in hiring. Still, growth is expected to be 'above average' in the next decade.

Most university professors hold PhDs in the field in which they research and teach. To earn their PhD, aspiring professors must complete 5 or more years of graduate school in which they take courses, teach, do research, and write a 'dissertation,' an original piece of research that is judged by his or her committee. After graduate school, some go on to post doctorate positions, during which they strengthen their teaching and research portfolios. Applicants who have strong dissertations, academic backgrounds, teaching records, and letters of recommendation may earn tenure-track jobs at research institutions and liberal arts colleges. Those who slip through the cracks, or have weaker credentials, often take non-tenure track or adjunct (part-time) positions.

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