College Instructor vs. Professor: What Are the Differences?

College instructors and professors are both educators at the post-secondary level. Though they share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two roles. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between college instructors and professors, and we provide tips for those interested in pursuing a career in academia.

What is a College Instructor?

College Instructors teach students at the collegiate level in a specific subject area. They develop and deliver lectures, create syllabi and assignments, and grade students’ work. College Instructors also hold office hours to meet with students one-on-one or in small groups. Some College Instructors may also conduct research in their field and publish their findings in scholarly journals. College Instructors typically have a Master’s degree or higher in their field of expertise.

What is a Professor?

Professors are typically employed by colleges and universities to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in their field of expertise. They develop and deliver lectures, lead discussions and facilitate learning in the classroom. Professors also create and administer exams, assign and grade student work and provide feedback to help students improve. In addition to teaching, Professors also conduct research and publish their findings in academic journals. They may also serve on college committees, advise students and contribute to their department’s curriculum development.

College Instructor vs. Professor

Here are the main differences between a college instructor and a professor.

Job Duties

Both professors and college instructors have similar job duties, but the amount of students they teach differs. A professor teaches a class to an entire school or university as an educator. They may also mentor students in and out of the classroom and advise them on educational and professional matters. College instructors typically teach one class with a set group of students for the duration of the semester. They may also mentor students if the class is part of a mentorship program and advise them if the class is part of an advising program.

Job Requirements

To become a college instructor, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in the subject you want to teach. For example, if you want to teach English at a community college, you would need a bachelor’s degree in English. Some colleges may require instructors to have a master’s degree or higher in their field, but this is not always the case. In addition to your educational requirements, you will also need to complete any state-mandated certification exams.

To become a professor, you will need to complete a doctoral degree in the field you want to teach. For example, if you want to be a professor of history, you would need to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in history. In addition to your educational requirements, you will also need to complete any state-mandated certification exams.

Work Environment

College instructors and professors typically work in similar environments, but there are some differences. Instructors may spend more time in the classroom than professors do because they teach classes to students on a regular basis. Professors usually have office hours where they meet with students one-on-one or in small groups. They also attend departmental meetings and other professional development events.

Skills

Both college instructors and professors typically need excellent communication skills to effectively convey information to their students. College instructors may also need strong customer service skills when working with students, as they need to be able to answer questions and address concerns in a helpful and professional manner.

Professors usually need highly developed research skills to stay up-to-date in their field and produce new scholarship. They also need to be able to write well to publish their findings in academic journals. College instructors may not need to conduct as much research as professors, but they still need to be able to find reliable information to share with their students.

Organization is important for both college instructors and professors, as they need to be able to keep track of their students’ progress, plan lessons and grade assignments in a timely manner. Both groups also need to have the ability to use technology, like learning management systems and presentation software.

Salary

College instructors earn an average salary of $61,332 per year, while professors earn an average salary of $92,665 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the type of college or university you work for, the state in which you work and the level of education you have.