History Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of academia, the role of history professors is increasingly crucial.

As we navigate through time, the demand for insightful minds who can interpret, analyze, and communicate our historical legacy grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a history professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to grasp the core requirements of this role,
• A hiring committee outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the world of historical academia,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable history professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or university career portals.

Let’s dive right into it.

History Professor Duties and Responsibilities

History Professors are responsible for teaching students about the historical events, trends, and periods across different cultures and civilizations.

They are also involved in conducting research, publishing their work, and contributing to the academic community.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
• Develop syllabi and initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions
• Prepare coursework materials and assignments
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and present findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
• Stay updated with developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations or conferences
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues
• Guide and mentor students for academic research
• Participate in campus and community events
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues

 

History Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a passionate History Professor to educate our students on various historical periods, cultures, and events.

The History Professor’s responsibilities include developing curriculum, conducting in-depth research, delivering lectures, grading papers and exams, and inspiring our students to appreciate and understand the significance of historical events and patterns.

Our ideal candidate possesses thorough knowledge in their specialized field of history, is experienced in teaching and research, and has a knack for engaging students.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering engaging lectures, discussions, and assignments in the field of history
• Designing and revising curriculum according to contemporary historical scholarship
• Administering and grading tests and assignments to evaluate students’ progress
• Conducting in-depth research in their specialized field of history
• Publishing findings in academic journals and books
• Mentoring students and providing guidance on their research projects
• Attending academic conferences and seminars to stay updated on the current trends in the field of history
• Contributing to the development and improvement of the university’s history program

 

Qualifications

• PhD in History or a related field
• Proven experience as a Professor or similar role in an academic setting
• Strong publication record in reputable academic journals
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to inspire and motivate students
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Pension plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development and research opportunities
• Tuition waiver for employee and family

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: History Professor
• Work Environment: University campus setting with flexibility for research-related travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the History Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• 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 institution. 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 resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of your publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a History Professor Do?

History Professors typically work in universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions.

They can also be authors, consultants, or researchers in their specialized area of history.

They are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, modern history, and regional or country-specific history.

Their job involves creating a syllabus, planning lessons, and assessing student’s progress by grading papers, essays, and exams.

History Professors also guide and advise students on academic matters such as course selection, career paths, and research projects.

Moreover, they engage in scholarly research and stay updated on new findings in their field.

They publish their research in academic journals, books, and present their work at conferences.

Many History Professors also participate in departmental meetings and serve on committees related to the governance of the institution, contributing to the development and implementation of academic policy.

Their role involves not just imparting knowledge about the past, but also helping students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex factors that shape societies and cultures.

 

History Professor Qualifications and Skills

A competent history professor should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the specific job description, such as:

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of historical events, trends, and sources, along with the ability to critically analyze and interpret historical data.
• Effective teaching skills to engage students, foster their interest in history, and facilitate learning.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to deliver complex historical information in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.
• Research skills to conduct in-depth studies on various historical topics, including the ability to use primary and secondary sources effectively.
• Writing skills to produce scholarly articles, textbooks, and research papers and to review and provide feedback on students’ written work.
• Interpersonal skills to establish a productive learning environment and build strong relationships with students, colleagues, and other professionals in the field.
• Ability to develop and implement course syllabi, lesson plans, and instructional materials that accommodate different learning styles and foster students’ critical thinking.
• Patience and empathy to understand and address students’ academic challenges, and motivate them to achieve their full potential.
• Administrative skills to manage class records, grade assignments, and coordinate academic events or activities.

 

History Professor Experience Requirements

History Professors typically require a Ph.D. in History or a related field.

The Ph.D. program generally includes several years of advanced study, research work and teaching assistantship, giving aspiring History Professors a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience.

Prior to acquiring a professor role, many candidates serve as Postdoctoral Fellows or Visiting Professors.

This allows them to gain real-world experience in teaching and conducting research, often for 2 to 3 years.

History Professors with 3 to 5 years of experience in post-secondary teaching and research are generally considered mid-career professionals.

At this level, they often have a track record of publishing research, presenting at academic conferences, and contributing to the development of academic programs or curriculum.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be considered for tenure-track positions.

These professors often have an established reputation in their field of study and a solid record of teaching, research, and service.

They may also have some administrative or leadership experience in departmental or university committees.

 

History Professor Education and Training Requirements

History Professors typically need a doctoral degree in history or a closely related field.

This requires a significant amount of study, including earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in history or a related discipline before pursuing a Ph.D.

During their Ph.D., prospective History Professors will perform detailed research in their chosen area of expertise, resulting in a dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the field of history.

Many universities and colleges prefer candidates who have completed post-doctoral work, which involves further research, publishing academic papers, and gaining additional teaching experience.

In addition to formal education, History Professors need to continuously update their knowledge of historical events, cultures, and trends.

They should also have excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to think critically and analytically.

Experience in teaching is an added advantage and often required.

This could be as a graduate teaching assistant during their Ph.D. program, or as an adjunct professor.

Some institutions may also prefer candidates who have specific certifications in education, like a teaching credential or certificate in higher education teaching.

The ability to speak multiple languages or have in-depth knowledge of specific cultures can also be beneficial for History Professors, especially those specializing in global or regional history.

 

History Professor Salary Expectations

A History Professor typically earns an average salary of $74,590 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary greatly based on factors such as the professor’s level of experience, the institution they work for, and the city or state in which they are employed.

 

History Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a History Professor need?

A History Professor needs excellent research and analytical skills to study various historical events, artifacts, and sources.

They should have strong communication and presentation skills to effectively convey historical information and theories to students.

They also need to have good organizational skills for planning lectures and assignments, as well as interpersonal skills to advise and mentor students.

 

Do History Professors need a degree?

Yes, a History Professor needs a degree.

They typically need to have a PhD in History or a closely related field.

They must have a deep understanding of specific historical periods or topics, and it’s also beneficial to have a broad knowledge of world history.

Some universities may also require professors to have postdoctoral research experience.

 

What should you look for in a History Professor resume?

In a History Professor resume, you should look for a doctoral degree in history and specialization in a particular historical period or topic.

Look for experience in teaching at the university level and any published research or papers.

Membership in professional organizations such as the American Historical Association can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good History Professor?

A good History Professor is passionate about history and is able to inspire that same passion in their students.

They should be able to make historical events and concepts interesting and relevant to students.

They should also be approachable and supportive, providing guidance to students and fostering an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating in discussions.

 

What are the typical duties of a History Professor?

The typical duties of a History Professor include preparing and delivering lectures, creating and grading assignments and exams, conducting research in their area of expertise, and publishing their findings in scholarly journals.

They may also advise students, serve on academic committees, and participate in professional conferences.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricacies of what being a history professor truly entails.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching dates and events.

It’s about shaping the future by imparting knowledge of the past, one historical fact at a time.

With our handy history professor job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your best tool for creating detailed, targeted job listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every historical fact is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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