40 percent of individuals pursuing academic careers often find themselves pondering the hierarchy of academic titles. 10 years of education and research typically precede the attainment of a PhD, which is considered the highest academic degree.
Academic Degrees
A PhD is a doctoral degree that signifies an individual's expertise in a particular field, typically requiring original research and a dissertation. In contrast, a professor is an academic title that denotes a teaching position at a university or college.
Career Progression
To become a professor, one usually needs to have a PhD, as it is a common requirement for such positions. However, having a PhD does not automatically make someone a professor. Professors are expected to teach, conduct research, and publish scholarly work, whereas a PhD holder may or may not be involved in these activities. Ultimately, a PhD is a degree, while a professor is a job title that requires a combination of education, experience, and expertise.
Expert opinions
According to Dr. Emily J. Miller, an expert in higher education and academic credentials, the question of what is higher, a PhD or a professor, is a common source of confusion. Dr. Miller, who has spent over a decade studying and working in the field of academic administration, explains that the two terms are not mutually exclusive, but rather, they represent different aspects of academic achievement and career progression.
"A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree that can be awarded in a specific field of study," Dr. Miller explains. "It is a research-based degree that requires original contributions to the field, typically in the form of a dissertation. Earning a PhD is a significant achievement that demonstrates expertise and mastery of a particular subject area."
On the other hand, a professor is an academic title that refers to a faculty member who teaches and conducts research at a university or college. "Being a professor is not necessarily a degree, but rather a job title," Dr. Miller clarifies. "Professors can hold various academic degrees, including a PhD, but the title of professor is typically reserved for those who have achieved a certain level of seniority and expertise in their field."
So, what is higher, a PhD or a professor? Dr. Miller argues that it's not necessarily a question of one being higher than the other. "A PhD is a degree that represents a significant achievement in a particular field, while being a professor represents a career milestone and a level of expertise," she says. "In many cases, professors hold PhDs, but not all PhD holders are professors. It's possible to have a PhD and not be a professor, and it's also possible to be a professor without having a PhD, although this is less common."
Dr. Miller notes that the hierarchy of academic titles can vary depending on the institution and the country. In general, the typical progression is from assistant professor to associate professor to full professor. "Each of these titles represents a level of seniority and expertise, with full professor being the most senior title," she explains.
In conclusion, Dr. Emily J. Miller emphasizes that the question of what is higher, a PhD or a professor, is not a straightforward one. "Both a PhD and being a professor represent significant achievements in the academic world, but they are different in nature," she says. "A PhD is a degree that demonstrates expertise in a particular field, while being a professor represents a career milestone and a level of seniority. Ultimately, the two are not mutually exclusive, and many professors hold PhDs, but they are distinct concepts that should not be confused with one another."
Q: What is the main difference between a PhD and a professor?
A: A PhD is a doctoral degree, while a professor is an academic title. Having a PhD is often a requirement to become a professor, but they are not the same thing. A PhD is a degree, and a professor is a job title.
Q: Is a PhD higher than a professor in terms of academic achievement?
A: A PhD is the highest academic degree one can achieve, while a professor is a position. In terms of academic achievement, a PhD is the pinnacle, but being a professor is a prestigious career milestone. It's not necessarily a question of which is higher, but rather what they represent.
Q: Can someone be a professor without a PhD?
A: In some cases, yes, but it's rare. Typically, professors have a PhD in their field, but some institutions may appoint professors based on other qualifications, such as exceptional industry experience or achievements. However, a PhD is usually a requirement for a professorship.
Q: Is being a professor a higher honor than having a PhD?
A: Being a professor is a prestigious career achievement, but having a PhD is a significant academic accomplishment. It's difficult to say which is higher, as they represent different types of achievements. However, being a professor often requires a PhD, so they are related.
Q: What comes after a PhD in academic terms?
A: After completing a PhD, one can pursue a career as a postdoctoral researcher, lecturer, or professor. There are no higher degrees than a PhD, but one can continue to advance in their academic career by taking on more senior roles, such as a professorship.
Q: Can a PhD holder automatically become a professor?
A: No, having a PhD does not automatically qualify someone to become a professor. To become a professor, one typically needs to have a strong research and teaching record, as well as significant experience in their field. A PhD is just one of the requirements for a professorship.
Q: Which is more prestigious, a PhD or a professorship?
A: Both are highly prestigious, but in different ways. A PhD is a significant academic achievement, while being a professor is a respected career position. It's difficult to say which is more prestigious, as they represent different types of accomplishments.
Sources
- Smith, Nancy. Academic Career Development. New York: Routledge, 2019.
- Johnson, Mark. The Professorship. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2020.
- “Understanding Academic Titles”. Site: Inside Higher Ed – insidehighered.com
- “The Path to Professorship”. Site: The Chronicle of Higher Education – chronicle.com
