Professor of Practice Jobs: Definition, Roles & Opportunities

🎓 What is a Professor of Practice?

The Professor of Practice, often abbreviated as Prof of Practice, is an academic faculty position that prioritizes real-world professional expertise over traditional scholarly research. This role, sometimes called Professor of Professional Practice, brings industry veterans into higher education to teach students practical skills and insights that textbooks alone cannot provide. The Professor of Practice definition centers on bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application in professional settings, making it ideal for fields like business, engineering, law, medicine, and technology.

In simple terms, if you're a seasoned executive, engineer, or practitioner wondering about Prof of Practice jobs, this position allows you to share decades of hands-on experience while shaping the next generation of professionals. Institutions value these hires for their ability to update curricula with current trends, such as digital transformation in business or sustainable practices in engineering.

📜 History and Evolution of the Position

The Professor of Practice role emerged in the late 20th century, gaining prominence in the 1990s at top US universities like Harvard Business School and MIT. These schools sought to counter criticisms that academia was out of touch with industry by appointing leaders from Fortune 500 companies and tech firms. Over time, the position spread to Europe, Australia, and Asia, evolving to meet local demands—for instance, emphasizing entrepreneurship in startup-heavy economies.

By the 2020s, with higher education facing enrollment pressures and skill gaps, Prof of Practice jobs have surged, with reports indicating over 20% growth in such appointments at US research universities between 2015 and 2025.

🔧 Key Roles and Responsibilities

Professors of Practice engage in teaching-focused duties tailored to practical learning:

• Delivering courses with real-world case studies, simulations, and guest lectures from industry peers.
• Mentoring students through internships, capstone projects, and career workshops.
• Fostering university-industry partnerships, such as advisory boards or research collaborations.
• Contributing to program accreditation by ensuring curricula meet professional standards.
• Occasionally leading executive education programs for working professionals.

These responsibilities ensure graduates are job-ready, addressing employer complaints about unprepared hires.

📋 Required Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Required Academic Qualifications

A Master's degree in the relevant field is typically the minimum, though some institutions prefer a PhD. The focus is on equivalent professional stature, such as certifications (e.g., CPA for accounting) or advanced industry training.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Limited emphasis on publish-or-perish research; instead, expertise in applied projects, thought leadership via whitepapers, or consulting that informs teaching.

Preferred Experience

At least 10-15 years in senior industry roles, with achievements like leading major initiatives, securing patents, winning awards, or managing multimillion-dollar budgets. Prior teaching, such as adjunct roles or corporate training, is highly valued.

Skills and Competencies

• Superior communication to translate complex concepts simply.
• Adaptability to academic environments while maintaining industry relevance.
• Networking to secure placements and funding.
• Instructional design for engaging, experiential learning.

🌺 Professor of Practice in American Samoa Context

American Samoa's higher education landscape centers on the American Samoa Community College (ASCC), offering associate degrees in liberal arts, nursing, and trades. Prof of Practice jobs here suit locals or US professionals with expertise in Pacific-focused areas like marine biology, public health, or tourism management. These roles support community needs, such as workforce development amid economic challenges from climate change and remoteness. Salaries align with US territory scales, around $70,000-$100,000, with opportunities for cultural integration in teaching.

💼 Landing Professor of Practice Jobs: Actionable Advice

To pursue Professor of Practice jobs, emphasize your professional portfolio over publications. Customize applications for institutions valuing practice, like those listed in professor jobs. Learn to craft standout documents via how to write a winning academic CV. Network at conferences and start with adjunct positions to build credentials. For broader searches, explore lecturer jobs or paths to university lecturing.

Next Steps for Your Higher Ed Career

Discover more higher-ed jobs, gain insights from higher ed career advice, browse openings at university jobs, or connect with employers ready to post a job for top talent like you.