Oregon State University faculty conduct groundbreaking research and are dedicated to advancing innovation and discovery for the citizens of Oregon and the world. Our award-winning faculty inspire new ways of thinking to solve problems socially, culturally and economically for the betterment of the global community.

Who are Oregon State University’s faculty?

  • Oregon State employs nearly 5,000 academic and professional faculty located throughout the state.
  • The academic faculty include faculty of rank who are tenured or tenure-track as well as fixed-term (non-tenured) teaching and research faculty.
    • Academic faculty in tenured or tenure-track positions are defined as professorial faculty and include titles of Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor.
    • Fixed-term academic faculty members with significant responsibility for research are defined as professors (senior research).
    • Fixed-term academic faculty members with significant responsibility for non-traditional education or community outcomes are defined as professors of practice.
    • The clinical track classification is for faculty who are engaged almost entirely in clinical practice and teaching.  Professors (senior research), professors of practice and professors on the clinical track are ranked non-tenured positions.
    • Academic faculty in non-tenured, fixed-term positions also include titles of Instructor, Senior Instructor, Research Associate, Faculty Research Assistant, Senior Faculty Research Assistant, and Lecturer.
  • Professional faculty include all non-classified employees who are working in an academic, student or other administrative support position with professional titles.
    • Examples of professional faculty positions include academic advisors, student conduct officers, and executive assistants. Most professional faculty have one-year contracts that are renewed annually.