When comparing an Adjunct Professor and an Assistant Professor, there are key differences in terms of job duties and employment status.
An Adjunct Professor is typically part-time and may come from another academic department with expertise that overlaps with the department they are serving. They often bring professional experience rather than academic study as their primary basis of expertise. On the other hand, an Assistant Professor is a full-time faculty member at a college or university.
The job duties of an Adjunct Professor and an Assistant Professor do overlap to some extent, but there are clear distinctions. Adjunct professors are often hired on a contractual basis and work part-time. Their responsibilities may include evaluating students, developing course materials, preparing assessments, and conducting seminars. Assistant Professors, on the other hand, are full-time faculty members with a more stable employment status.
In terms of salary, Adjunct Professors have an average salary of $98,821, which is higher than the $87,099 average annual salary of Assistant Professors. The skills required for each position also differ. For Adjunct Professors, course curriculum, syllabus, and semester planning are crucial skills, while Assistant Professors may need skills like patience, public health knowledge, and expertise in specific subjects like pediatrics.
It is important to note that Adjunct Professors in North America are often appointed on limited-term contracts, sometimes just for one semester, and are ineligible for tenure. Assistant Professors, being full-time faculty, have more stability in their positions.
When considering a career as an academic professional, understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their career paths and goals.
- Academic ranks in the United States – Wikipedia
- Adjunct Professor: Job Outlook, Education, Salary – ResilientEducator.com
- What is an adjunct assistant professor and how to become one – Zippia
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