What determines an Associate Professor from a Professor?

Very simply – can be complicated depending on the type of institution and organizational culture.

Associate professors are usually mid-level professionals who are recognized as experts in the field and usually tenured at their university. They have an established record of scholarship, are seasoned teachers, and demonstrated service in their field.

Full professors are usually senior-level professionals who are always tenured – they are nationally and/or internationally known leaders in their fields and have an extensive record of scholarship, teaching, and service.