History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

SOC: 25-1125.00

Common Job Titles

History InstructorHistory ProfessorInstructorProfessor

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeSynthesize historiographical debates and primary source materials across diverse historical periods for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses, integrating interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • KnowledgeDesign course syllabi, learning objectives, and assessment strategies aligning with departmental goals and current pedagogical best practices.
  • MindsetModel intellectual curiosity and critical engagement with diverse historical perspectives fostering inclusive classroom environments that value multiple viewpoints.
  • KnowledgeFormulate original research questions and scholarly arguments for peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate student research papers, examinations, and oral presentations using disciplinary standards for historical argumentation and evidence.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze complex historical phenomena and causal relationships across political, social, cultural, and economic dimensions.
  • KnowledgeInterpret archival documents, artifacts, and visual sources within historical context teaching students methods of historical interpretation and source criticism.
  • MindsetAdvocate ethical research practices and academic integrity standards mentoring students in proper citation methods and responsible use of historical sources.
  • KnowledgeAssess pedagogical effectiveness and student learning outcomes using formative and summative assessment data to refine instructional approaches.
  • MindsetBalance teaching responsibilities with research productivity and service obligations meeting tenure and promotion expectations within academic institutions.
  • MindsetEngage students in historical inquiry and analytical thinking through active learning strategies and Socratic dialogue.
  • KnowledgeApply learning management systems and digital humanities tools to enhance course delivery and facilitate student collaboration.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for History Teachers, Postsecondary (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

19,860

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$47,730
10% of workers earn the following or more$158,140
Workers on average earn$93,710

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • History and Archeology5.0/5
  • English Language4.7/5
  • Education and Training4.4/5
  • Law and Government4.1/5
  • Geography4.0/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Google DocsJavaScriptMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Blackboard LearnCalendar and scheduling softwareCollaborative editing softwareCourse management system softwareDOC CopDatabase softwareDesire2Learn LMS softwareEmail software

Tools & Equipment

Carousel slide projectorsCompact digital camerasCompact disk CD playersComputer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer projectorsConference telephonesDesktop computers