The Professor of the Practice ranks should be used sparingly, only in cases in which other academic titles are not sufficient, and only for appointments that are primarily aimed at teaching, advising, or serving as an interface between the academic unit and the relevant professional sector. Faculty may be appointed at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or full Professor of the Practice.

Professors of the Practice are appointed based on their professional experience, on their ability to serve the projected needs of their program, and on their teaching effectiveness. Appointments may be made for a period of up to five years, and are renewable. Initial appointments at the rank of Assistant Professor of the Practice of any term length, or initial appointments at the rank of Associate or Full Professor of the Practice with a contract length of one year or less, may be made through the office of the Dean of Public Health and do not require PHFA review. Reappointments at any rank and initial appointments at the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor of the Practice with a contract length of greater than one year require review by PHFA.

It should be noted that Professors of the Practice are non-voting members of the university faculty, they are not eligible for sabbatical or scholarly leaves, and professors in the Practice ranks are not eligible for tenure. General criteria for appointment at the Practice ranks follow, though academic units are encouraged to generate their own set of responsibilities, rights, and criteria specific to the requirements of their fields and codified in their Standards and Criteria.

Assistant Professor of the Practice

An individual with professional and/or artistic training and experience who has documented qualities or significant potential as a teacher and a record of professional accomplishment that has earned a local or regional reputation. Additional requirements might include experience working with appropriate agencies, experience giving lectures or serving other pedagogical functions, or a minimum number of years of professional experience.

Associate Professor of the Practice

A senior professional and/or artist who has achieved a national reputation in her/his professional field and who has demonstrated effectiveness as a teacher. Additional requirements might include senior-level professional licensing, college-level teaching experience, a position of leadership within the profession, or a record of professional publication.

Professor of the Practice

A senior professional and/or artist who has achieved a national or international reputation in her/his professional field and who has demonstrated effectiveness as a teacher and a leader in the field. Additional requirements might include leadership positions in professional societies, awards or honors for professional achievement, or experience consulting for or participating in governmental decision making about the field in question.