How do you address a professor in Canada?

Asked by: Ellsworth Pfannerstill  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (59 votes)

The general rule is if someone's title includes the word professor, then you can (and should) address them as “Professor Last Name.” In Canada and the US, this includes assistant, associate, clinical, and research professors, as well as full professors.

How do I formally address a professor?

If you are writing to an instructor or professor, address them as “Professor [Lastname].” If your instructor or professor who has a PhD or DA, you may address them as Dr. [Lastname],” but using “Professor” is also fine.

Who can be called professor in Canada?

A professor in Canada, whether at a College or University must hold a Post Doctorate (Ph. D) to have such a title. Those with Masters, even part-time instructors at either type of post secondary institution are only qualified as instructors or those working on their Ph.

Should I address my professor as MS or Mrs?

The sex of the professor is irrelevant. You address a professor as Dr. Smith. If this person is a full professor, you address them as Professor Smith. If your teacher does not have a Ph. D., you address them as Miss, Mrs. Ms., or Mr., according to which title is appropriate.

What is the official title for a professor?

Tenured: Professor (Profesor Titular) (full/part-time, PhD required) Associate Professor (Profesor Auxiliar) (full/part-time, PhD mostly required)

How do I send cold emails to professors? #Studyabroad

41 related questions found

Is my title Dr or professor?

And although some professors might also be doctors, “Professor” is a higher rank and thus tends to be preferred. authority figure was as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” This is generally not true in academia.

Can I use the title professor?

In general, the title of professor is strictly used for academic positions rather than for those holding it on honorary basis.

Do teachers go by Ms or Mrs?

If the teacher you're addressing identifies as female, "Ms." is the most neutral and appropriate honorific to use. Ultimately, though, most teachers won't mind which you chose, and if they do, reach out, and we'll work gladly with you to correct the honorific chosen.

Should I use Ms or Mrs professionally?

Ms.: Use “Ms.” when you are not sure of a woman's marital status, if the woman is unmarried and over 30 or if she prefers being addressed with a marital-status neutral title. Mrs.: Use “Mrs.” when addressing a married woman.

How do I address professor sir?

As you asked about a letter, if you would normally put 'Dear Professor {surname}' then that would still be correct. In order to use Sir / Dame you would need to also include the first name, or only use the first name.

How to be a professor in Canada?

Education, Training and Skills

A doctoral degree (PhD) is required to become a university professor. Other requirements may include: Licences or professional certification for teaching in regulated fields such as medicine, engineering, architecture or law. Teaching experience.

How to call teachers in Canada?

Unless stated otherwise its just polite to call your teacher Mrs. ma'am or Professor.

What is the difference between a lecturer and a professor in Canada?

Lecturers teach courses and seminars at colleges and universities, often specializing in specific subjects, while professors, typically at universities, not only teach but also conduct research, publish academic work, and contribute to curriculum development in their specialized fields.

How do I address a professor in Canada?

Use the Correct Title and Name

Following the salutation, it's essential to address your professor by their correct title and last name. This formality shows respect for their position and academic achievements. Most professors should be addressed as “Professor” or “Doctor,” followed by their last name.

What can I say instead of dear professor?

Top email greetings to use
  • Hi [Name], This simple and friendly greeting, is the best and safest choice, except for the most formal occasions.
  • Hello [Name], ...
  • Dear [Name], ...
  • Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./Professor [Last name], ...
  • Greetings, ...
  • Hi there, ...
  • Hi everyone, ...
  • Hey!

Should I address my professor as sir?

(The term "sir" is sometimes used in other countries to address teachers or professors, but it is not considered common or proper in most U.S. universities or colleges.) If your professor has a Ph. D, you should address them as "Professor LastName" or "Dr. LastName".

Is Mrs more respectful than Ms?

Summary. There are several titles used when speaking or writing to women. The major titles are Mrs., designating a married woman, either currently or previously so; Miss, for an unmarried woman or young woman or girl; and Ms., used by those women aiming for a neutral, more progressive title.

Can I use Ms after marriage?

"Ms." is used by and for unmarried and married women.

Is Mrs. outdated?

Many feel the use of "Mrs." within contemporary discourse often results in the erasure of a woman's individual identity, emphasizing her marital status over her personal achievements and autonomy.

What is the best title for teachers?

The Best Titles for Teachers in 2023
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  • The Nurturer. By ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash. ...
  • The Disciplinarian. By airfocus on Unsplash. ...
  • The Mentor. By Clark Tibbs on Unsplash. ...
  • The Storyteller. ...
  • The Explorer. ...
  • The Empath.

What is a female teacher called?

Addressing a teacher with respect is extremely important, as the teachers play an important role in our education, development and training. While "Sir" is commonly used to call a male teacher, "Miss" or "Ma'am" are both proper and appropriate ways to address a female teacher.

Do teachers have their masters?

Every state has its own requirements for teacher certification. Whether or not you will need a master's degree depends on where you intend to teach. And just as each state will have different requirements, so will individual school districts.

How do you call a professor?

D., M.D. next to their name), and if so, it's a safe bet to call them Dr. If that is not the case, you should feel comfortable in calling them professor. If they prefer to be addressed in another way, they'll then let you know.

Can I use dear professor?

Generally speaking, you should use "Dear Professor Last-name." If the instructor does not have a PhD, refer to them as "Professor" unless instructed otherwise. Taking a chance with "Mrs" "Mr." or "Ms." instead of "Dr." or "Professor" runs the risk of insult to the professor.

Is there a title higher than professor?

Although "Professor" is often the highest rank attained by a senior faculty member, some institutions may offer a unique title to a senior faculty member whose research or publications have achieved wide recognition.