Should I use 'Professor' or 'Dr.?'?

Question

My first class Freshman year of college we were given a lengthy speech by our professor. His forty minute speech basically summarized how difficult earning his doctorate in archaeology was and that it would be highly inappropriate to belittle this by calling him "Professor Lastname." This scared me into calling all of my professors (with doctorates) Dr. and those who I were not sure had their doctorates or not or only had masters, I always called Professor just to be safe. Three years later, I'm horrified to learn that Professor is considered a higher distinction. Granted, I am a Psychology student, so the majority of my professors are clinical psychologists and are referred to as "Dr." not only in their academic circles, but sometimes by patients as well. (Although the psych profs who have been in their field awhile actually introduce themselves by their first names.... and Ive never had a therapist insist I use Dr. Lastname.)

Going by the rules in the States, because I know the UK has different rules, how should I address my professors with doctorates?

It may be important to note that we still have full-time, non-adjunct professors at my university with masters degrees.

Answer 1

If he prefers to be called Dr., then call him Dr. Most prefer just to go by Professor. FYI, though, they are neither a Professor nor a Doctor if they only have a Master's Degree. They may be in a job typically held by a Professor, but they are still Mr. (if unsure, it is always better to compliment a teacher, though, so go with Dr. or Professor).

Answer 2

I would use "Professor" as a default, but look on their syllabi. If a professor identifies himself as "Dr. Hickenlooper" on the syllabus or signs an email to you, "Dr. Bartholemew Hickenlooper" or something, I would take that as an indication that he wants to be called "Doctor."



In general, I look for clues as to what a person wants to be called, and then I call him what I believe he wants to be called, whether that's "Dr. Hickenlooper," "Dr. H," "Professor Hick," "Mr. Hickenlooper," "Barty," or whatever.



But "Professor" is a good default when you don't know what they want.

Answer 3

Anybody who gets bent out of shape at being called "doctor" rather than "professor" is a jackass. As is anybody who gets bent out of shape at being called "professor" rather than "doctor."



That said, it's appropriate to call people what they like to be called.