There are basically three titles (or academic degrees): Master, Doctor (known as Ph.D. in some countries) and Habilitation. Those who complete their graduation but want to continue studying must first choose between two postgraduate courses: lato sensu and stricto sensu.
The first does not confer an academic title, but rather the “specialist” certificate – MBA is a type of lato sensu training in the business area.
In stricto sensu, the graduate student develops and defends a thesis on a very specific topic and, after being approved, receives the title of master or doctor (depending on the chosen program).
After doing a doctorate, the researcher can do a post-doctorate, which also follows the thesis development model with the monitoring of an advisor. At this same point in his academic career, however, he can go up another step, working on a thesis on his own, without the help of an advisor. If approved, he rises to the degree of Habilitation.
to the top
The career of professors in public universities goes through several steps
Assistant professor
At some universities, the assistant is a postgraduate student who assists his advisor in classes. In others, it is already a position acquired by public tender. In this case, the position is usually temporary, simply to cover the vacancy of a retired professor.
collaborating professor
Also a temporary position, but which generally has the objective of testing professors interested in joining the faculty’s official staff. Some universities also have volunteer collaborators, who do not receive a salary, but enjoy the structure and name of the university
Professor Doctor
It is the first official position for professors at Brazilian public universities. As the name already says, he must have a doctor’s degree to undergo the selection process. Normally, doctors are not part of the higher bodies of the school, which define the directions of each course
Professor
A position above professor doctor but it is already the top of the academic career. From this point on, the professor represents the highest authority in his area within the university and can participate in administrative matters as head of units. After this point, he only acquires more benefits through rewards
Honoris causa
It does not follow the academic hierarchy. It is a special title, awarded to professionals (not necessarily trained by the same institution) with significant contributions to science, the arts, knowledge and humanity in general. Any university can award it, but it is a rare prize, given to few