History Teachers, Postsecondary

Role Overview

What Is a History Teacher, Postsecondary?

A postsecondary history teacher, often referred to as a history professor or lecturer, is an academic professional who instructs college and university students in the study of human history and historiography. This role encompasses both educators who focus primarily on teaching and those who combine teaching with active research. These professionals are responsible for helping students understand past events, cultural developments, political movements, and societal changes, while also teaching the methods historians use to analyze and interpret historical sources. The importance of history teachers in higher education cannot be overstated, as they preserve and transmit knowledge that shapes critical thinking, civic awareness, and an understanding of contemporary issues. By fostering analytical skills and historical perspective, they prepare students for careers in education, law, public policy, and many other fields.

Postsecondary history teachers work at a variety of institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, research universities, and online programs. Their work is vital for maintaining academic standards, contributing to scholarly discourse, and inspiring the next generation of historians and informed citizens. The field requires a deep commitment to education, research, and public engagement, making it a rewarding but demanding career path.

What Does a History Teacher, Postsecondary Do?

The daily responsibilities of a postsecondary history teacher are diverse and depend on the type of institution and the teacher's specific role. Generally, these professionals balance teaching, research, and service activities. Key responsibilities and daily tasks include:

• Preparing and delivering lectures on topics such as world history, American history, European history, or specialized fields like ancient civilizations, military history, or social history.
• Developing course syllabi, selecting textbooks, and designing assignments that align with learning objectives.
• Leading classroom discussions, seminars, and tutorials to encourage critical analysis of historical events and sources.
• Grading exams, essays, and research papers, providing constructive feedback to help students improve their understanding and writing skills.
• Conducting original research, including archival work, data analysis, and writing scholarly articles or books for publication in academic journals and presses.
• Advising undergraduate and graduate students on academic programs, career paths, and research projects, including supervising theses and dissertations.
• Participating in departmental meetings, curriculum development, and academic committees to shape program offerings and institutional policies.
• Staying current with historical scholarship by reading professional literature, attending conferences, and networking with peers in the field.

In addition to these core tasks, many history teachers also engage in public history projects, such as museum exhibits, historical consulting, or community outreach programs. The balance between teaching and research varies: at research universities, professors often spend significant time on publishing, while at teaching-focused colleges, the emphasis is more on instruction and student mentorship.

Work Environment

Postsecondary history teachers typically work in academic settings, including college and university campuses. Their work environment is characterized by a mix of classrooms, lecture halls, offices, and libraries. Many also spend time in archives, museums, or historic sites for research purposes. The work schedule can be irregular, with classes scheduled during the day, evening, or even online, and additional hours needed for grading, lesson planning, and research.

Conditions vary by institution type. At large research universities, professors may have access to extensive library resources, research assistants, and funding for travel to conferences. At community colleges or smaller liberal arts colleges, the focus is more on teaching, and class sizes may be smaller, allowing for more personalized interaction with students. Online teaching has also become more common, requiring familiarity with digital platforms and remote instruction tools. The work can be intellectually stimulating but also demanding, with pressures related to publishing, tenure, and student evaluations. Job security often depends on achieving tenure, which typically involves a rigorous review process over several years.

How to Become a History Teacher, Postsecondary

Becoming a postsecondary history teacher requires significant education and specialized training. The typical path involves earning advanced degrees and developing a strong record of teaching and research. Key steps and requirements include:

• Earning a bachelor's degree in history or a related field, such as political science, anthropology, or classics, with a strong academic record.
• Completing a master's degree in history, which is often the minimum requirement for teaching at community colleges. Some programs offer a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in history.
• Obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in history, which is required for tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities. PhD programs typically take 5-7 years and involve coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation based on original research.
• Developing teaching experience through graduate assistantships, teaching fellowships, or adjunct positions. Many PhD programs offer opportunities to teach undergraduate courses under supervision.
• Building a publication record by presenting at academic conferences and publishing articles or book reviews in scholarly journals. A strong research portfolio is essential for competitive academic positions.
• Gaining professional skills in areas such as curriculum design, digital humanities, and public history, which can enhance employability.
• Pursuing postdoctoral fellowships or visiting professor roles to gain additional experience and strengthen the academic resume before applying for tenure-track jobs.
• Obtaining certifications or endorsements may be required for teaching at some institutions, though specific credentials vary by state and employer.

Essential skills for success include strong written and verbal communication, critical thinking, research methodology, time management, and the ability to engage and inspire students. Patience, adaptability, and a passion for history are also important. Networking with other historians and staying active in professional organizations, such as the American Historical Association, can provide valuable support and opportunities.

Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salary for postsecondary history teachers in the United States is $81,500, according to recent data. This figure reflects the midpoint of earnings, with the lowest 10% earning less than $50,000 and the highest 10% earning over $130,000, depending on factors such as institution type, geographic location, experience, and academic rank. Professors at research universities with tenure typically earn higher salaries than adjunct or part-time instructors, who often earn less per course and lack benefits.

The job outlook for this occupation is relatively flat, with a projected growth rate of -0.20% over the next decade. This means employment is expected to decline slightly, reflecting broader trends in higher education, including budget constraints, enrollment fluctuations, and a shift toward adjunct and part-time faculty. The number of annual openings is estimated at just 2, which is very low. These openings arise primarily from retirements, career changes, or the creation of new positions at growing institutions. Competition for tenure-track positions is intense, and many PhD graduates may need to consider alternative career paths, such as teaching at community colleges, working in museums, or transitioning to roles in government, publishing, or corporate training. Despite these challenges, the field remains intellectually rewarding for those who secure stable academic positions.

Related Occupations

Several careers share similarities with postsecondary history teaching, offering natural progression or alternative paths for individuals with a background in history. Related occupations include:

• High School History Teacher: Instructs secondary school students in history and social studies, often requiring a bachelor's degree and teaching certification.
• Archivist: Manages and preserves historical documents, records, and artifacts, typically requiring a master's degree in library science or archival studies.
• Museum Curator: Oversees collections of historical objects and exhibits, planning displays and educational programs, often requiring a master's or PhD in history or museum studies.
• Historian: Conducts research on historical topics for government agencies, corporations, or nonprofit organizations, writing reports and providing expertise.
• Policy Analyst: Analyzes historical trends and data to inform public policy decisions, working in think tanks, government, or advocacy groups.
• Editor or Writer: Works in publishing or media, writing about historical topics for books, magazines, or digital platforms, often requiring strong writing skills and subject matter expertise.

These roles leverage the analytical, research, and communication skills developed as a history teacher, providing diverse opportunities for career growth beyond the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about becoming a postsecondary history teacher:

• What is the difference between a professor and a lecturer? A professor is typically a tenure-track or tenured faculty member with a PhD who engages in teaching, research, and service. A lecturer is often a non-tenure-track instructor focused primarily on teaching, sometimes with a master's degree, and may be hired on a contract basis.
• Is a PhD always required to teach history at a college? For tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities, a PhD is almost always required. However, community colleges may hire instructors with a master's degree, especially for introductory courses. Adjunct positions may also accept a master's degree, though competition is high.
• How long does it take to become a history professor? The path typically takes 8-12 years after high school, including a 4-year bachelor's degree, a 2-3 year master's degree, and a 5-7 year PhD program. Additional time may be needed for postdoctoral work or job searching.
• What are the job prospects for history teachers? Job prospects are very competitive, with few tenure-track openings each year. Many PhD graduates pursue alternative careers in education, government, or the private sector. Networking, publishing, and gaining teaching experience early can improve chances.
• Can I teach history online? Yes, many colleges and universities offer online history courses, and some institutions hire instructors specifically for online programs. This requires familiarity with learning management systems and digital teaching tools, but can offer flexibility in work location.