History lecturer
Also known as: professor of medieval history, university history lecturer, professor of history, history docent, university lecturer in history, professor of modern history
About this occupation
History lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, history, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants for the preparation of lectures and of exams, for grading papers and exams and for leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their respective field of history, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.
A specialisation of higher education lecturer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- teach history
- prepare lesson content
- apply intercultural teaching strategies
- liaise with educational staff
- liaise with educational support staff
- demonstrate when teaching
- compile course material
- periodisation
- historical methods
- monitor developments in field of expertise
- source criticism
- history
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile History Teachers, Postsecondary (O*NET 25-1125.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, postwar civilizations, and the history of third-world countries.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Investigative, Artistic
Top skills: Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Learning Strategies, Active Listening, Instructing
US median pay: US$83,820 a year (2025), 18,790 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyExtremely important (5.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.7)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.1)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyVery important (4.0)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.6)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.