Usually, titles like “Professor (Prof.)” and “Doctor (Dr.)” are used independently, and it’s not common to use both before a person’s name. In academics, individuals often have one primary title. For example, someone might be addressed as “Professor Smith” or “Dr. Smith” but not usually “Professor Dr. Smith.”
Professor or Dr. in Email: Which is a better Title?
The choice between using “Professor” or “Dr.” in an email depends on the individual’s preference and the context of your communication. Here are a few considerations:
Academic Setting:
- If an individual holds a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D., you may refer to them as “Dr. Last Name” to highlight their academic qualifications.
- If the person holds a professorial position, you can use “Professor Last Name” to acknowledge their role in academia.
Professional Setting:
In a professional setting beyond academia, particularly when the individual has a doctorate (Ph.D.), it may be more fitting to use “Dr. Last Name.”
Check Previous Correspondence:
Following that precedent is a good idea if you’ve communicated with the person before and they signed their emails with a specific title or name.
Here’s an example of how you might structure an email greeting:
“Dear Dr. Last Name,”
“Dear Prof. Last Name,”
Can we write Dr. after the professor in college?
In most cases, it’s not common to use both “Professor” and “Dr.” together before a person’s name. Typically, individuals use one title or the other based on their primary role and qualifications. The use of titles can vary by country, institution, and personal preference.
Types of professors
There are main 3 types of professors based on entry-level and experience.
Assistant Professor: This is typically an entry-level position for faculty members in a university setting. Assistant Professors are often on a tenure track, meaning they are working toward earning tenure.
Associate Professor: After a successful period as an Assistant Professor, individuals may be promoted to Associate Professor. This position usually implies a higher level of experience and accomplishment.
Full Professor or Professor: This is the highest rank for a professor. After a successful period as an Associate Professor, individuals may be promoted to Full Professor. Full Professors have typically demonstrated significant accomplishments in research, teaching, and service. They may also be involved in administrative roles.
Some additional types of professor
Adjunct Professor: Adjunct Professors are usually part-time faculty members. They may have other jobs or responsibilities outside of academia and are often hired on a contract or semester-to-semester basis.
Visiting Professor: This title is given to a professor who is temporarily teaching at an institution where they do not hold a permanent position. It could be for a semester or a year.
Emeritus Professor: This is an honorary title given to retired professors who have made significant contributions to their field and the institution. It’s a way of recognizing their long-term service.
Clinical Professor: In fields like medicine and law, clinical professors often have a professional background and may be involved in teaching practical skills or overseeing clinical experiences.
Research Professor: Some professors focus primarily on research rather than teaching. They may be involved in conducting experiments, publishing papers, and securing research grants.
It’s important to note that the specific titles and roles can vary by country and institution. Additionally, the responsibilities associated with these titles may differ depending on the academic discipline.