University  Professors  
 
Nensi  Melissa  Ruzgar  
January  18,  2011                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
Career  Studies  Culminating  Project  

G L C   2 O 6 -­‐ 0 4   M c L e a n ,   H .  
N o r t h e r n   S e c o n d a r y   S c h o o l  

UNIVERSITY  PROFESSORS   1  
 
  

Table  of  Contents  

Introduction.................................................................................................................3  
Education  Requirements..............................................................................................4  
Specialized  Skills ..........................................................................................................4  
Work  Style ...................................................................................................................4  
Salaries  and  Wages ......................................................................................................5  
Job  Satisfaction............................................................................................................6  
Future  Trends  and  Opportunities .................................................................................6  
Demand  for  Professorship  (Current  and  Continuing  Trends).........................................7  
Winnipeg,  Manitoba..................................................................................................................................................7  
Ottawa,  Ontario ..........................................................................................................................................................7  
Toronto,  Ontario .........................................................................................................................................................7  
Kingston,  Ontario .......................................................................................................................................................7  
Waterloo,  Ontario ......................................................................................................................................................7  
London,  Ontario ..........................................................................................................................................................7  
Edmonton,  Alberta.....................................................................................................................................................8  
Halifax,  Nova  Scotia ..................................................................................................................................................8  
Moncton,  New  Brunswick .......................................................................................................................................8  
Other  Career  Paths ......................................................................................................8  
Personal  Reflection ......................................................................................................8  
Key  Article ...................................................................................................................9  
Interview ...................................................................................................................10  
Research  materials ....................................................................................................11  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2   University  Professors  
 
Introduction  
A  professor  is  a  type  of  senior  teacher;  the  precise  meaning  of  the  word  varies  by  
country.  Literally,  professor  is  Latin  for  a  "person  who  professes"  and  is  usually  an  
expert  in  some  art  or  science;  a  teacher  of  high  rank.  In  some  English-­‐speaking  
nations  professor  is  the  title  only  of  a  senior  academic  who  holds  a  departmental  
chair  (especially  as  head  of  the  department),  or  a  personal  chair  awarded  
specifically  to  that  individual.  However,  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  the  title  of  
professor  is  given  to  a  much  larger  group  of  senior  teachers  in  two-­‐  and  four-­‐year  
colleges  and  universities.    
 
Moreover,  professors  teach  courses  to  undergraduate  and  graduate  students  and  
conduct  research  at  universities  and  degree  granting  colleges  university  professors  
who  are  heads  of  departments  are  included  in  this  unit  group.  They  fall  under  the  
educational  services  category  and  the  NOC  number  associated  with  this  sector  is  
4121.  Data  from  Statistics  Canada-­‐  Census  2006  shows  that  professors’  age  range  in  
a  wide  angle  from  21  to  70  years  old  individuals  possessing  this  career.  However,  
the  highest  age  range  is  in  the  49  year  olds  by  3.1%.  IN  addition,  Ontarian  statistics  
show  that  male  professors  (62%)  tend  to  be  more  than  females  (38%).1    
 
As  explained  before,  this  occupation  can  provide  a  wide  range  of  academic  career  
pathways,  including  tenured  professors  and  lecturers.  According  to  the  Council  of  
Universities,  there  are  four  types  of  lecturers.  The  first  consists  of  individuals,  
working  fulltime  in  another  occupation,  for  whom  teaching  is  a  second  job.  They  are  
hired  either  for  their  specific  skills  or  because  of  difficulties  filling  positions  
permanently.  The  second  comprises  “career  lecturers”  whose  main  professional  
activity  is  teaching.  They  generally  aspire  to  positions  as  tenured  professors.  The  
third  type  of  lecturer  consists  of  graduate  students  who  teach  course  loads  while  
studying  fulltime.  Finally,  freelances  are  lecturers  who  have  another  part-­‐time  job,  
which  brings  them  in  more  income  than  teaching  at  university.2  Furthermore,  there  
are  many  unions  and  associations  that  professors  may  be  a  part  of.  Some  cases  in  
point  would  be  Canadian  Association  of  University  Teachers,  Council  of  Ontario  
Universities,  Ontario  Association  of  Physics  Teachers,  Ontario  Classical  Association,  
Ontario  Confederation  of  University  Faculty  Associations,  Ontario  Council  or  
University  Lifelong  Learning.3  
                                                                                                               
1  Ministry  of  Training,  Colleges  and  Universities.  (2009).  Retrieved  1  17,  2011,  from  

Employment  Ontario;  Ontario  Job  Futures:  

http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/ojf/pdf/4121_e.pdf  
2  University  Professors;  Job  Futures.  (2009,  05  08).  Retrieved  1  17,  2011,  from  Service  

Canada:  http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/4121.shtml  
3  University  Professors  (NOC  4121-­  A)  -­  Toronto  Region,  Ontario.  (2011,  1  1).  

Retrieved  1  17,  2011,  from  Working  in  Canada;  Government  of  Canada:  
http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/report-­‐
eng.do?area=9219&lang=en_CA&noc=4121&province=35&keyword=keyword&acti
on=final&display=complete  
University  Professors   3  
 
Education  Requirements  
To  become  a  professor  of  any  field  a  doctoral  degree  in  the  field  of  specialization  is  
required.  Moreover,  affiliation  with  an  association  or  professional  order  may  be  
required  for  professors  teaching  in  certain  professionally  regulated  fields  where  
future  practitioners  are  taught,  such  as  medicine,  law,  engineering,  psychology  or  
architecture.4  Furthermore,  postdoctoral  internship  at  a  university  and  experience  
in  research  and  publishing  research  articles  or  reports  in  scientific  publications  
constitute  major  assets.  In  addition,  universities’  requirements  for  lecturer  positions  
vary  substantially  according  to  the  institution,  teaching  field  and  specific  courses  to  
be  given,  The  basic  requirement  is  a  doctorate  in  the  field  of  instruction,  but  holders  
of  Master’s  degrees  who  are  pursuing  their  doctoral  studies  are  also  accepted,  as  are  
those  with  Bachelor’s  degrees  who  have  extensive  experience  in  the  field  of  
instruction.5  

Specialized  Skills  
Professorship  demands  not  only  very  high  standards  in  terms  of  training,  but  also  
the  aptitude  for  and  interest  in  conveying  knowledge  and  supervising  high  levels  of  
research.  Future  professors  must  also  have  very  good  knowledge,  show  creativity  
and  have  strong  communications  and  teamwork  skills.  Intellectual  curiosity  is  an  
essential  quality  for  remaining  constantly  on  the  cusp  of  knowledge  and  
developments  in  their  field  of  competency.  Because  of  the  stronger  emphasis  on  
research  coordination,  managerial  skills  are  increasingly  indispensable.  Bilingualism  
is  usually  essential,  for  both  reading  and  writing  research  work  and  articles  in  
specialized  journals.6  

Work  Style  
University  professors  usually  have  flexible  work  schedules  that  involve  teaching,  
research,  writing,  study,  meetings  and  being  available  for  consultation  with  
students.  Most  work  long  hours  including  some  evenings.  Travel  is  required  to  
conduct  research,  attend  conferences,  symposia  and  other  events.  Professors  
teaching  introductory  undergraduate  courses  may  have  very  large  classes  of  over  
200  students,  which  can  be  demanding.  When  classes  are  in  session,  classroom  
teaching  takes  approximately  9  to  12  hours  a  week,  preparation  for  teaching  takes  
                                                                                                               
4  Laurie,  A.  P.  (1911).  The  teacher's  encyclopaedia  of  the  theory,  method,  practice,  

history  and  development  of  education  at  home  and  abroad  (Vol.  4).  London:  Caxton  
Publishing  co.  
5  Canadian  Universities;  Information  for  Students;  An  Overview  of  Graduate  Studies  in  

Canada.  (2010).  Retrieved  01  17,  2011,  from  The  Association  of  Universities  and  
Colleges  of  Canada:  
www.aucc.ca/can_uni/student_info/can_student/grad_studies_e.html  
6  University  Professors;  Job  Futures.  (2009,  05  08).  Retrieved  1  17,  2011,  from  Service  

Canada:  http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/4121.shtml  
4   University  Professors  
 
up  to  three  hours  for  every  hour  of  instruction  time,  and  grading  and  evaluating  
course  assignments  takes  approximately  9  to  12  hours  a  week.  Professors  are  
expected  t  o  use  the  periods  in  which  they  are  not  teaching,  generally  the  spring  or  
summer  months,  to  pursue  research  activities.  Many  universities  grant  professors  
study  leaves  (sabbaticals)  to  assist  in  their  studies  and  research.  7  
Plus,  typical  local  employers  for  professors  may  include  Ryerson  University,  York  
University,  University  of  Toronto  and  Ontario  College  of  Art  and  Design.  These  were  
only  universities  and  colleges  from  Toronto,  but  in  general  the  employers  can  be  
universities,  colleges  and  other  related  schools,  school  boards  and  technical  
institutes.    

Salaries  and  Wages  

Professorship  is  a  very  gifted  and  a  conceptual  sector  of  education.  It  also  has  a  
great  value  of  income  rates.    This  section  shows  the  local  wage  information  listings.  
The  important  thing  to  consider  is  that  a  number  of  factors  can  affect  the  wage  paid  
for  the  same  occupation  in  different  Canadian  communities  such  as  the  geographic  
location,  labour  agreements  or  availability  of  workers.  8  
Wage ($/hr) Reference
Community/Area
Low Average High Period
Toronto Region 18.40 40.80 91.00 2010
Information for other areas within Ontario.
Muskoka-Kawarthas- 18.40 40.80 91.00 2010
Peterborough Area
London-Woodstock Area 18.40 40.80 91.00 2010
Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie- 18.40 40.80 91.00 2010
Guelph Area
Northeastern Ontario - 39.50 - -
Kingston-Quinte-Pembroke 18.40 40.80 91.00 2010
Area
Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Area 18.40 40.80 91.00 2010
Ottawa Region 18.40 40.80 91.00 2010
Toronto Region 18.40 40.80 91.00 2010
In  addition,  the  following  graph  shows  how  this  occupation’s  income  was  higher  
than  other  occupations’  by  great  values.  9  
                                                                                                               
7  Ruzgar,  N.  S.  (2011,  1  15).  Lecturer,  Ryerson  University.  (N.  M.  Ruzgar,  Interviewer,  

&  N.  M.  Ruzgar,  Editor)  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada.  

8  HRSDC.  (2010).  Labour  Market  Information-­  Statistics  of  2010.  Retrieved  1  17,  

2011,  from  Human  Resources  and  Skills  Development  Canada:  

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/labour_market_information/index.sh
tml  
9  Ministry  of  Training,  Colleges  and  Universities.  (2009).  Retrieved  1  17,  2011,  from  

Employment  Ontario;  Ontario  Job  Futures:  

http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/ojf/pdf/4121_e.pdf  
University  Professors   5  
 
Income
Annual Average Employment Income of Persons
  Employed Full-Time Full-Year in 2005

$120,000
$96,876
$100,000
$80,000
$56,033
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
This Occupation All Occupations  

Additional Information Sources

Job  Satisfaction  
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get  to  teach  and  
conduct  research  with  many  others  and  do  more  of  their  job  while  travelling.  
x Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (www.cicic.ca)
However,   many  also  mention  that  family  lives  are  a  certain  interruption  to  studies  
x Canadian Association of University Teachers (www.caut.ca)
and  learning  in  that  stereotypical  way  that  is  believed  a  family  would  interrupt  
career  pursuits.  Some  advantages  include  that  university  allows  them  to  teach  more  
mature  adults  and  actually  conduct  studies  with  them  to  produce  and  contribute  
science  and  arts.      

Future  Trends  and  Opportunities  

Many  statistics  and  prospects  mention  that  over  the  next  five  or  ten  years,  it  seems  
clear  that  University  Professors  category  of  Education  sectors  will  be  efficient  and  in  
use.  To  be  detailed,  employment  trends  in  this  occupation  are  influenced  by  the  
university  attendance  rate,  demographic  changes  affecting  university  age  
individuals,  university  funding  levels  and  the  labour  supply.    
Opportunities  for  employment  in  this  occupation  are  expected  to  be  good  over  the  
period  from  2009  to  2013.  A  significant  number  of  openings  in  this  occupation  will  
be  created  by  growth  in  student  enrollments  and  the  need  to  replace  the  large  
numbers  of  university  professors  who  are  likely  to  retire  over  the  next  decade.  
Many  professors  were  hired  in  the  late  1960s  and  the  1970s  to  educate  members  of  
the  baby  boom  generation,  and  they  are  expected  to  retire  in  growing  numbers  in  
the  years  ahead.  However,  the  number  of  job  seekers  will  likely  exceed  the  number  
of  job  openings,  and  a  significant  proportion  of  these  new  jobs  will  be  part-­‐time  and  
non-­‐tenure-­‐track  positions.  During  economic  downturn,  in  an  effort  to  reduce  
expense,  university  departments  in  the  province  frequently  replace  tenured  
positions  with  term  and  seasonal  appointment.  
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The  best  job  prospects  for  this  occupation  are  likely  to  be  in  rapidly  growing  fields  
that  offer  many  nonacademic  career  options.  These  will  include  fields  such  as  
business,  nursing  and  other  health  specialties,  and  biological  sciences.  
 

6   University  Professors  
 
Demand  for  Professorship  (Current  and  Continuing  Trends)  
The  current  outlook  for  this  occupation  nation-­‐wide  is  good.  Here  are  some  
examples  of  areas  in  Canada  that  are  in  need  of  University  Professors:  
Winnipeg,  Manitoba  
While  there  are  employment  opportunities  in  all  regions  of  the  province,  a  large  
proportion  of  jobs  in  this  occupation  are  located  in  Winnipeg.  Major  employers  
include:  University  of  Manitoba,  Canadian  Mennonite  University,  St.  Andrews  
College  University,  and  the  University  of  Winnipeg.  University  Professors  are  highly  
in  Manitoba,  especially  for  those  in  the  specialties  of  Management,  Medicine,  
Information  Technology,  and  Engineering.  Hiring  is  often  international  in  this  
occupation,  and  retirements  over  the  next  few  years  are  expected  to  create  an  
unusually  high  demand.  
Ottawa,  Ontario  
Increased  government  funding  for  education  and  research,  as  well  as  employers  
requiring  a  more  highly  trained  work  force,  mean  that  job  creation  in  this  industry  is  
increasing.  Major  employers  in  the  Ottawa  region  include:  Carleton  University,  
Children’s  Hospital  of  Eastern  Ontario,  Université  Saint-­‐Paul,  University  of  Ottawa,  
University  of  Ottawa  Heart  Institute.  While  the  retirement  rate  will  likely  be  
average,  the  number  of  retiring  workers  will  contribute  to  job  creation.  
Toronto,  Ontario  
Employment  prospects  for  University  Professors  in  the  Greater  Toronto  Region  are  
good.  Major  employers  in  this  region  include:  University  of  Toronto,  York  
University,  Ryerson  University,  and  Ontario  College  of  Art  and  Design.  University  
enrolment  in  Ontario  has  been  rising  over  the  past  decade,  leading  to  a  greater  need  
for  University  Professors.  Professors  will  need  to  keep  on  top  of  technological  
advances  as  distance  education  and  online  learning  become  more  prevalent.  
Kingston,  Ontario  
Employment  prospects  in  the  Kingston  area  are  good  for  University  Professors.  
Major  employers  include:  Queen’s  University,  Royal  Military  College  of  Canada.    
Enrolment  in  post-­‐secondary  education  is  rising,  driving  the  need  for  more  
university  professors.  
Waterloo,  Ontario  
Employment  opportunities  in  this  region  are  expected  to  be  good  for  2010.  Major  
employers  include:  University  of  Waterloo,  Wilfrid  Laurier  University  and  
University  of  Guelph.  Opportunities  will  be  particularly  good  in  the  following  
disciplines:  Engineering,  Arts,  Clinical  Studies,  Environmental  Studies,  Applied  
Health  Sciences  and  Mathematics.  Population  growth  and  rising  educational  
requirements  are  reflected  in  increasing  university  enrolments,  contributing  to  an  
increased  need  for  University  Professors.  
London,  Ontario  
The  employment  prospects  for  University  Professors  are  good  in  the  London  area,  
where  rising  post-­‐secondary  education  among  the  population  is  fuelling  the  demand  
for  more  University  Professors.  Major  employers  include:  The  University  of  Western  
Ontario,  and  King’s  University  College  at  the  University  of  Western  Ontario.  

University  Professors   7  
 
Edmonton,  Alberta  
Employment  prospects  for  University  Professors  in  Edmonton  are  good.  The  
University  of  Alberta  is  the  major  employer  in  the  area.  With  student  enrolment  
increasing  in  recent  years  and  many  university  professors  approaching  retirement,  
there  are  increased  employment  opportunities  in  this  field.    
Halifax,  Nova  Scotia  
The  future  employment  outlook  for  University  Professors  in  Halifax  is  expected  to  
be  good  over  the  next  5  years.  Major  employers  include:  Atlantic  School  of  Theology,  
Dalhousie  University,  Mount  Saint  Vincent  University,  NSCAD  University,  Saint  
Mary’s  University,  and  University  of  Kings  College.  
Moncton,  New  Brunswick  
Employment  prospects  are  positive,  and  the  numbers  of  job  vacancies  in  this  field  
have  increased  in  the  Moncton  area.  Major  employers  in  the  area  include:  Mount  
Allison  University,  Université  de  Moncton,  and  Crandall  University.10  

Other  Career  Paths  

Individuals,  who  have  chosen  this  education  path  for  a  highly  academic  career,  need  
not  always  become  university  lecturers;  department  heads;  senior,  associate  or  
assistant  professors.  There  are  other  career  pathways  one  can  possess  with  a  
doctorate  and  higher  degrees.  Some  examples  may  include  management  positions  
varying  on  the  area  of  education,  practitioners  if  it  is  a  case  of  medicine,  law,  
engineering  or  architecture.  Plus,  there  may  be  such  cases  in  which  we  see  these  
individuals  teaching  at  lower  levels  of  education,  or  if  the  subject  was  art  or  other  
performing  categories,  the  individual  may  possess  a  career  in  a  different  but  
productive  way.  Nevertheless  this  education  and  training  pathway  will  overachieve  
many  requirements  in  the  job  market  and  help  future  professors  possess  any  
particular  job  in  the  field.  11  

Personal  Reflection  
I  picked  this  career,  because  I  already  had  background  knowledge  about  it  and  
wanted  to  pursue  it  as  a  career  path.  After  my  research,  I  am  still  interested  in  the  
area  and  would  like  to  make  my  education  and  training  choices  according  to  this  
pathway.  Furthermore,  I  have  learnt  that  extroverted  people  with  good  studying,  
organizational  and  communicational  skills  would  love  to  become  University  
Professors.  I  believe  this  project  was  very  efficient  in  my  career  choices  for  the  
future.    

                                                                                                               
10  University  Professors-­  NOC  code  4121.  (2010).  Retrieved  1  11,  2011,  from  Canada  

Immigration  Lawyers-­‐  Canada  Visa:  http://www.canadavisa.com/university-­‐

professors-­‐4121.html  
11  University  Professors;  Job  Futures.  (2009,  05  08).  Retrieved  1  17,  2011,  from  

Service  Canada:  
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/4121.shtml  
8   University  Professors  
 
Key  Article  
 
One  paragraph  summary…  

University  Professors   9  
 
  

Interview  
Nursel  Ruzgar  
 
-­‐How  long  have  you  been  teaching?  
-­‐Is  this  your  childhood  dream?  

10   University  Professors  
 
-­‐What  are  some  advantages  of  your  career?  
-­‐What  are  some  disadvantages  of  this  career?  
-­‐  What  do  you  like  most  about  your  interaction  with  students?    

Research  materials  
 
Well  coming  
 

University  Professors   11