Adjunct vs Associate Professor – Difference and Comparison

What is Adjunct Professor?

A part-time lecturer is known as an adjunct professor. Of course, he is compensated for his efforts, but he will not be eligible for tenure. In the interim, he can do research or teach at a different university. However, he will not be eligible for the advantages that associate professors receive. But, the job of an adjunct professor is really flexible because they are in visiting position.

In addition, the length of time spent working as an adjunct lecturer at a college differs per country. Adjunct professors are also referred to as adjunct lecturers or adjunct faculty. However, a doctoral degree is not required to work as an adjunct lecturer. It is, nonetheless, recommended. Meanwhile, an adjunct professor does not have many responsibilities and is not required to attend regular faculty meetings.

Universities prefer adjunct teachers because they require less upkeep. They are paid less than regular professors, and the university has the authority to change or terminate the contract with adjunct professors at any time.

What is Associate Professor?

Associate professors work full-time or on a regular basis. Associate professors must have a doctorate to be hired, and they are on the tenure track. Most they are classified as mid-level professors.

In comparison to adjunct academics, associate professors have more employment stability. They are also permanent and can’t be dismissed easily because of their tenure. To obtain tenure, they must teach for a period of 5-7 years. They have a lot of responsibility because they are permanent regular employees and get to advise, evaluate, and instruct the students.

Associate professors have more experience than assistant professors because they have advanced from assistant professor to associate professor. An associate professor’s post may evolve into a full-time professor’s position in the future. Universities provide various privileges to associate professors, and their positions are permanent.

Difference Between Adjunct and Associate Professor

  1. Adjunct professors serve as part-time lecturers, and meanwhile, Associate professors enjoy the freedom of becoming permanent personnel.
  2. Adjunct professors are paid less, but Associate professors are paid more and have better benefits.
  3. The university’s contract with adjunct teachers is non-tenured, although associate professors are normally tenured.
  4. While a doctoral degree is not required to work as an adjunct professor, an associate professor should have a doctoral degree to teach as an associate professor.
  5. The responsibilities of adjunct professors are limited, and they are not required to attend faculty meetings. On the other hand, associate professors are responsible for providing guidance to students and must attend University-sponsored faculty meetings.

Comparison Between Adjunct and Associate Professor

Parameters of ComparisonAdjunct ProfessorAssociate Professor
TenureAdjunct professors do not have tenure.Tenure is granted to associate professors.
salaryAssociate professors are paid less than adjunct professors.Associate professors are well compensated.
QualificationA doctoral degree is not required for adjunct professors.A doctoral degree is required for an associate professorship.
DurationThe role of an adjunct professor is part-timeAssociate professors are full-time employees.
BenefitAs associate professors, adjunct teachers do not receive additional benefits.Associate professors have a variety of tasks, including advising students, and they are eligible for additional University perks.

References

  1. https://journals.lww.com/nurseeducatoronline/fulltext/1999/09000/clinical_simulation_laboratory__an_adjunct_to.16.aspx
  2. https://aacnjournals.org/ajcconline/article-abstract/18/2/133/5629