What is an 'associate professor'?

What is an 'associate professor'?

An associate professor is a person who has completed their doctorate degree, or the highest level of education in their field, and have continued to work in that field after graduation by teaching at the school as well as by doing independent research. Through the process of doing independent research and teaching and doing service to the community, this person acquires enough experience to seek a full professor position at the college. In order to do that, they apply and seek associate professorship. It is one step on the way to become a full professor.