History Professor

Your Fit

Income

$82K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

1.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a History Professor?

A History Professor is an academic expert who teaches and conducts research in history at a college or university level. They specialize in a range of historical periods, regions, and themes, imparting knowledge and fostering critical thinking about the past.

Sample job titles:

History Instructor, History Professor, Instructor, Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with History Professor.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a History Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$62K per year	$82K per year	$107K per year	$158K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $32K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a History Professor do?

Work environment

History Professors typically work in university and college settings. Their work environment includes classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, and offices. They may also engage in field research, attend academic conferences, and participate in public speaking or historical preservation activities.

Quick task list

Develops and teaches history courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Conducts research and publishes findings in academic journals.
Advises and mentors students on academic and career paths.
Contributes to the development of academic programs and curricula.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to the broader academic community.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Cultural History: Examining the cultural practices and expressions of various societies.
Political History: Focusing on political events, leaders, and movements.
Economic History: Studying the economic aspects and development of societies.
Social History: Analyzing societal changes and the lives of different social groups.
Military History: Exploring conflicts, military strategies, and the impact of wars.

Description

History Professors play a crucial role in preserving and interpreting the past. They engage students with various historical perspectives, teaching them to critically analyze events, patterns, and narratives. Through their research, they contribute to the collective understanding of history, often challenging existing interpretations or uncovering new facets of past events.

The profession is intellectually stimulating, requiring a deep passion for history and strong research skills. Professors must stay current with historiographical trends and methodologies. They often balance teaching with research, striving to inspire students while advancing their scholarly pursuits.

A career as a History Professor is rewarding for those passionate about history and education. It offers the opportunity to delve deeply into historical subjects, shape young minds, and contribute to academic discourse. The role also involves a commitment to lifelong learning and an ongoing exploration of the past.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Inspiring a passion for history in students and shaping their understanding of the past.
Engaging in research and contributing new knowledge to the field of history.
Intellectual stimulation from constant learning and exploration of historical subjects.
The opportunity to travel for research, conferences, and fieldwork.

You might make a good History Professor if you are...

Deeply passionate about studying and understanding history.
Skilled in research, writing, and critical analysis.
An effective communicator who enjoys lecturing and engaging discussions.
Interested in contributing original research and publications in historical studies.
Committed to educating and mentoring the next generation of historians.

Pros:

Intellectual fulfillment from studying diverse historical periods and themes.
Opportunity to influence and shape historical scholarship.
Varied work, including teaching, research, and writing.

Cons:

Highly competitive academic job market.
Pressure to publish and secure funding for research.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with extensive research demands.

How to become a History Professor

Typical education

The role generally requires a Ph.D. in history, which can take 5-7 years to complete following undergraduate studies. Some institutions may hire professors with a master's degree for certain positions, particularly in community colleges.

High school preparation

Courses:

History courses to gain a broad understanding of different periods and areas.
English and Writing for developing strong writing and analytical skills.
Foreign Language to access historical texts and research in non-English sources.
Social Studies to understand historical contexts within broader societal trends.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in history clubs or academic competitions like National History Day.
Volunteering at local museums or historical societies.
Engaging in debate clubs to develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in history or a related field, with a focus on developing research skills.
Participate in undergraduate research projects or internships related to historical research.
Earn a master's degree in history as a step towards a Ph.D.
Complete a Ph.D. in history, specializing in a particular area or period of interest.
Gain teaching experience through graduate teaching assistantships.

More resources

American Historical Association (AHA) - Provides resources and guidelines for professional historians.
National Council for History Education (NCHE) - Offers support and resources for history educators.
Journal of American History - A leading publication for American history research.
World History Association - Promotes studies and teaching of world history.
H-Net: Humanities and Social Sciences Online - Provides a forum for historians to connect and share resources.

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