McPherson College recognizes five ranks:
- Instructor: Master’s degree required, or completion within five years, or acceptable equivalent credentials or tested experience as determined under FAC 404.
- Assistant Professor: Master’s degree or terminal degree, as determined under FAC 451, or acceptable equivalent credentials or tested experience as determined under FAC 404.
- Associate Professor: Terminal degree, as determined under FAC 451, or acceptable equivalent credentials or tested experience as determined under FAC 404; evidence of professional growth; plus a minimum of six years teaching experience at McPherson College at the rank of assistant professor.
- Professor: Terminal degree, as determined under FAC 451, or acceptable equivalent credentials or tested experience as determined under FAC 404; evidence of professional growth; outstanding contributions to fulfillment of the college’s mission; plus 12 years teaching experience in higher education, with at least six years at McPherson College at the rank of associate professor.
- Emeritus: Retired from McPherson College; taught a minimum of 15 years at McPherson College; contributed outstanding service to McPherson College; review by the Faculty Review Committee within three years following retirement.
In addition to the five rank categories listed above, McPherson College uses the classification of Adjunct to denote persons who are hired on a course-by-course, semester-by-semester basis (see FAC 426.2).
Exceptions to the above will be clearly established in the letter of employment.