Excuse me Professor, but are you a Professor

[bboy_mn]

No: HPFGUIDX 42148

Noticed something strange. Recently, there has been a lot of dicussion
of education in the wizard world. 

It would seem that there are schools of higher education in the wizard
world. What makes me say that? Professor Lupin, was Professor before
he came to Hogwarts. When Har/Ron/Herm enter the compartement on the
train were Lupin is sleeping, Hermione notices his name on his
briefcase. It says in old worn out flaking gold letters, PROFESSOR Lupin.

At school, it's easy to see that the students would just call every
teachers 'professor' as a courtesy title, although, some of them could
really be 'professors'. That brings up the question, how does one
become a 'professor'?

Lupin apparently at some point in the past, did something that
bestowed upon him the title of Professor. But what? Did he go to the
Cambridge Wizard's University, or was it Oxford's University of Wizardry?

Is there a test? You go to the Ministry of Magic, pay ten galleons,
take a test, and if you pass, you get to call yourself 'Professor'. 

I considered that it might have to do with age. Once you become a
wizened old wizard, you get to call yourself 'Professor'. But Lupin
was relatively young, and that fact that the lettering on his case was
very  old, or appeared very old, indicated he received the title a
long time ago.

So is there a University of Wizardology where you can get a Masters or
PHD?

I have to think that even if there aren't formal schools, there are
Wizard oganizations like the International Fraternal Order of Wizards
(org. from one of my fan fics), where wizards can get together and do
research, and study advanced wizardry, and eventually get some formal
recognition for their efforts. Like titles; Dr. Harry Potter,
Professor Harry Potter, Harry Potter, BW (Bachelor of Wizardry), or
Hermione Granger, MWA (Master of Witchly Arts).

Any thoughts?

bboy_mn