How Many Classes Does a Full-Time Professor Teach?

The number of classes a full-time professor teaches can vary widely depending on several factors, including the institution, academic discipline, and specific contractual obligations. This article explores the typical teaching loads for full-time professors in different academic settings and the additional responsibilities that influence their workload.

Teaching Loads at Different Academic Institutions

The typical teaching load for full-time professors can differ significantly across academic institutions. Here are some broad guidelines based on the type of institution:

Undergraduate Institutions

Full-time professors at undergraduate institutions typically teach 3 to 4 courses per semester. This balance allows them to maintain a manageable workload while fulfilling their teaching responsibilities. The specific number can depend on factors such as the professor's research commitments and administrative duties.

Research Universities

At research universities, the teaching load is often lighter, with a focus on research and publishing. Professors at these institutions might teach 1 to 2 courses per semester. The emphasis is on conducting high-quality research, which often leads to a reduced teaching load.

Community Colleges

Community colleges typically have a higher teaching load for full-time professors. Teaching loads at community colleges are often 4 to 5 courses per semester. This is due to the heavier emphasis on teaching and the needs of a diverse student population that requires more frequent interaction and support.

Disciplinary Variations and Research Expectations

The number of classes taught can also vary based on the academic discipline. For instance, in a biological sciences department, the teaching load for research-intensive faculty is typically 2 classes per semester, while teaching-intensive faculty would average 3 classes each semester. Professors who teach large lecture classes for freshman students may also be given a reduced load if possible.

Graduate Student Involvement

Graduate students, both master's and PhD students, often contribute to the teaching load. They can teach laboratory courses, which can help them gain practical teaching experience. However, the extent of their involvement is generally determined by the school's policies and the professor's preferences.

Contracts, Credits, and Pay

Teaching loads can be influenced by contracts, credit loads, and pay structures. Typically, a full professor's teaching load is around 5 credits, sometimes covering 4 if labs are included. The types of courses and the number of credits assigned can affect the overall teaching load.

Release Time for Research and Service

Depending on the institution and the professor's research activities, some professors may be granted release time from teaching duties. This is usually only possible if the institution receives outside funding. The extent of the release time can vary significantly, and it may allow professors to focus more on research and service.

Academic Year Considerations

A full professor is expected to teach 8 courses over the academic year, which spans 9 or 10 months, depending on the university. However, the number of courses taught can be reduced due to research and service commitments.

Typical Teaching Loads

A professor active in research might teach 4 courses per academic year. A professor not engaged in research may teach 6 courses. A highly productive researcher might teach only 2 courses.

Some professors prefer to avoid teaching altogether and focus entirely on research. They argue that academia is not the right place for such individuals but instead suggest that they should work in research centers, labs, or industry.

Conclusion

The teaching load of a full-time professor is influenced by various factors, including the institution's policies, the academic discipline, research expectations, and contractual obligations. Understanding these factors helps in managing the workload effectively and maintaining a balance between teaching, research, and administrative duties.