doçent

Doçent is an academic title used in Turkey to denote a mid-level faculty member in higher education. It ranks between assistant professor (assistant doçent) and full professor (professor). The title is granted through a formal doçentlik process overseen by the Council of Higher Education (Yükseköğretim Kurulu, YÖK) after a candidate’s dossier is reviewed and an examination or jury evaluation is completed.

Candidates submit documentation that typically includes evidence of doctoral study, a record of research and publications, teaching experience, and other scholarly or professional activities. A national examination or a panel of external experts assesses the candidate’s research quality, originality, and contribution to the field. Criteria have evolved over time, but the process generally emphasizes both a solid publication record and demonstrated teaching ability, along with a sustained period of academic activity after the PhD. Upon approval by the evaluating body and the university, the candidate is awarded the title doçent.

Holding the title grants certain rights and responsibilities within Turkish academia. Doçents are eligible to supervise doctoral and master’s students and may be considered for promotion to full professorship. In international contexts, doçent is often equated with associate professor, though translations and equivalences can vary by country. The doçentlik status is a significant milestone in a Turkish academic career, signaling both established research credentials and the capacity for higher-level teaching and service within the university.