College History Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the focus on College History Professors has never been more critical.

As society continues to evolve, the need for knowledgeable minds who can delve into the past, interpret and connect it to our present reality grows increasingly important.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a College History Professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring committee member defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate duties of a history professor,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable College History Professor job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

College History Professor Duties and Responsibilities

College History Professors are educators at the tertiary level who teach history to undergraduate and graduate students.

They are expected to have a deep understanding of history, strong research skills, and the ability to convey complex information in an understandable way.

The duties and responsibilities of a College History Professor include:

• Develop and teach engaging and informative history courses to students
• Create and distribute educational content such as notes, assignments, and quizzes
• Assess students’ work and provide them with constructive feedback and grades
• Conduct and publish scholarly research in their field of expertise
• Stay updated with current developments and discoveries in the field of history
• Maintain regular office hours to advise and assist students
• Participate in departmental and college activities such as faculty meetings and committee work
• Contribute to the development of the curriculum
• Guide and mentor students, particularly those pursuing advanced degrees

 

College History Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable College History Professor to join our faculty.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching history courses, conducting scholarly research, and providing service to the department and college.

This includes preparing course materials, grading assignments, mentoring students, and publishing findings in academic journals.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of history, excellent communication skills, and a passion for teaching and inspiring students.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate history courses
• Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Guide students’ research projects and mentor them in their academic pursuits
• Evaluate students’ progress and provide constructive feedback
• Publish scholarly research in academic journals
• Participate in departmental and college activities
• Stay current on historical research and pedagogical methods

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in History or related field
• Proven experience as a professor or lecturer in History
• Track record of published research
• Strong understanding of historical research methods
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity in teaching

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: College History Professor
• Work Environment: Campus setting. Some travel may be required for conferences or research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head of History.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our college. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a list of three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a College History Professor Do?

A College History Professor typically works for colleges and universities where they are entrusted with the task of imparting knowledge on various historical subjects.

Their primary duties include preparing and delivering lectures on historical periods, events, and figures, and fostering an active learning environment for students.

They devise course plans, create and grade assignments and exams, and provide feedback to students to enhance their understanding of the subject.

They also conduct extensive research in their field of expertise and contribute to the academic community by publishing their findings in scholarly journals and books.

Besides teaching, College History Professors often have administrative duties such as participating in faculty meetings, serving on committees, and collaborating with other departments to enhance the institution’s curriculum.

In addition to being educators, they also mentor students by providing academic and career advice, supervise student research projects, and guide them in their pursuit of higher education or employment in the field of history.

College History Professors are also expected to stay updated with the latest historical research and continuously update their teaching methods and course content accordingly.

 

College History Professor Qualifications and Skills

A competent College History Professor should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge in history with a focus on a particular time period, region or theme.
• A PhD in History or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Experience in teaching and curriculum development at the collegiate level.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively deliver lectures, lead discussions, and explain complex historical events and concepts to students.
• Interpersonal skills to connect and engage with a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.
• Research skills to explore and present on historical topics, contributing to the field of knowledge.
• Organization and planning skills to manage course syllabi, grading, and other administrative tasks.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to develop and evaluate historical arguments.
• Adaptability to incorporate new teaching methods and technologies into the curriculum.
• A commitment to student success and a passion for teaching and mentoring.

 

College History Professor Experience Requirements

The path to becoming a College History Professor typically begins with an undergraduate degree in History.

However, this alone is usually not enough, as most universities require their professors to hold a PhD in their respective field.

This means that aspiring College History Professors must first earn a Masters degree, and then complete a PhD program, which typically takes between 5 to 8 years.

During the course of their studies, many graduate students gain experience by working as Teaching Assistants, where they assist a professor in teaching undergraduate courses, grading papers, and conducting research.

This provides practical experience in teaching and academic work.

Upon completion of their PhD, many aspiring professors go on to gain post-doctoral experience.

This is a period of further research and publishing, which is critical to securing a permanent position as a professor.

Furthermore, universities often prefer candidates who have a track record of publishing their research in reputable academic journals.

Therefore, having experience in academic writing and publishing can be an advantage.

Finally, many universities look for candidates who have experience supervising student research or theses at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Therefore, experience in mentoring or supervising students can also be beneficial.

In summary, to be a College History Professor, one needs a significant amount of academic and teaching experience, usually acquired over many years of study and research.

 

College History Professor Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a College History Professor typically requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in History or a closely related field.

To prepare for this career, individuals often start with a bachelor’s degree in history before advancing to a master’s degree and finally a Ph.D. program.

These advanced programs include intensive study on various historical periods and regions, thesis writing, and original research.

The process to earn a Ph.D. can take several years and generally culminates in the defense of a dissertation, an original piece of research in the candidate’s area of specialization.

In addition to educational requirements, College History Professors should have strong skills in research, critical thinking, and communication.

After obtaining a Ph.D., aspiring history professors often start their careers in postdoctoral research positions or as adjunct professors.

While not required, some professors may choose to earn professional certification or participate in continuing education programs to stay updated on recent historical findings and research methods.

In order to gain tenure, professors are usually expected to contribute to their field by publishing original research or analysis.

 

College History Professor Salary Expectations

A College History Professor earns an average salary of $74,560 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, the prestige of the institution, and geographical location.

Professors with more years of experience and those working in top-tier universities typically earn higher salaries.

 

College History Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a College History Professor need?

A College History Professor typically requires a Ph.D. in History or a closely related field.

This role also requires extensive research experience and a strong track record of academic publishing.

Professors should have teaching experience, ideally at the college level, and must demonstrate proficiency in lecturing, designing course curricula, grading, and providing academic guidance to students.

 

What are the daily duties of a College History Professor?

On a typical day, a College History Professor may deliver lectures, prepare lesson plans, grade student assignments, and conduct office hours for student consultations.

They may also be involved in departmental meetings, serve on academic committees, conduct historical research, and work on their publications.

Some professors might supervise graduate students and their research projects or thesis work.

 

What qualities make a good College History Professor?

A good College History Professor should have a deep passion for history and a desire to share that enthusiasm with students.

They should be excellent communicators, able to present complex historical concepts and events in a clear and engaging manner.

Additionally, they should be patient, approachable, and supportive, with a commitment to helping students succeed acadically.

Good professors also maintain their scholarly credibility through ongoing research and publication in esteemed academic journals.

 

What should you look for in a College History Professor resume?

The resume of a College History Professor should show a strong academic background in history, ideally with a specialization in the field of study relevant to the position.

Look for a history of teaching at the college level, a list of publications, and any awards or recognition.

Evidence of ongoing research, participation in academic conferences, and membership in professional organizations can also be a plus.

 

Is a Ph.D. always required to be a College History Professor?

Most higher education institutions require their professors to hold a Ph.D., but there can be exceptions.

Some colleges may hire individuals with a Master’s degree for adjunct or part-time positions.

However, for tenure-track positions and to have a successful long-term career as a professor, a Ph.D. is usually necessary.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap!

Today, we’ve shone a light on the profound intricacies of being a college history professor.

But guess what?

It’s not just about reciting dates and events.

It’s about nurturing minds, one history lesson at a time.

With our ready-to-go college history professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to make your mark.

But why not go further?

Deepen your knowledge with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every history lesson is a piece of a grander narrative.

Let’s shape the minds of the future. Together.

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