University Professor

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: University Professors (4121) 
• 2006 NOC-S: University Professors (E111) 
• 2011 NOC: University professors and lecturers (4011) 
• 2016 NOC: University professors and lecturers (4011) 
• 2021 NOC: University professors and lecturers (41200) 

University professors are scholars and educators recognized for their teaching and research, as well as their creative or professional practice. They are evaluated regularly on their performance and output. University professor duties vary, but in general, they:

• Plan and teach university courses, which includes preparing, administering and marking student assignments and examinations
• Create or perform works of art, or conduct research studies
• Present their work in peer-reviewed venues such as journals, books and galleries
• Advise and mentor students regarding course and academic matters
• Supervise graduate students
• Represent their universities as speakers, guest lecturers, consultants and resource personnel
• Participate in university governance, which may include curriculum revision, academic planning, degree requirements and faculty matters
• Organize and co-ordinate curriculum and course schedules

Professors also may have other duties. For example, they may advise students about academic requirements and options. Or they may serve as peer evaluators for research outside of their own institution.

Depending on their field of study, professors work in offices, laboratories, studios, libraries or classrooms, or in the field. A professor may teach large classes, work with small groups in seminars and tutorials, or advise students one-on-one. They also may work with a wide range of academic and non-academic groups.

Professors work long hours when classes are in session, as teaching and supervision require a lot of time. They must be productive in their research or professional activities. They also must serve their departments, institutions, academic field and communities. Typically, universities grant professors research and study leaves (sabbaticals) to assist in their research or practice.

Becoming a university professor can involve years of study and experience in a chosen field. Graduates often must move from one post-secondary school to another to find permanent employment.

Assistant professors, associate professors and full professors have similar duties. But they have different amounts of experience and achievement, prestige and responsibility. A professor typically begins as an assistant. Within 3 to 5 years of full-time work, they are considered for tenure (permanent status). This means they have shown their potential to have a long and productive career. Their promotion to associate or full professorship involves a rigorous review of their accomplishments. This will be conducted by peers within the department and university, as well as outside the university.

With experience, university professors may:

• Be appointed to sit on various committees or assume a position as chair or department head
• Work as consultants for government, industry or private businesses
• Move into senior administrative academic positions such as dean of a faculty, or vice-president or president of a university

In Alberta, most people employed as university professors work in the Educational Services [pdf] industry.

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment, especially in the Educational Services industry
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation

In Alberta, the 4011: University professors and lecturers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 97 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Funding for some areas of research over others heavily influences employment for university professors. For example, if funders consider one area of research, such as environmental science, more essential to public knowledge than others, they will provide more funding for research in this area. This means more positions for university professors.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (AASUA) website: www.aasua.ca

Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) website: www.caut.ca

Confederation of Alberta Faculty Associations (CAFA) website: cafa-ab.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.