How to Be History Professor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 19, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The rise of industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century had a profound effect on the structure of society. This shift from rural to urban life changed the way people lived, worked, and thought. It created an atmosphere of competition, as people sought to gain wealth and power.

It also led to the emergence of new social classes, such as the working class and the middle class. These new social classes had different economic and political interests than the aristocracy or the peasantry, which had dominated in earlier times. This shift caused a widening of the gap between the wealthy and the poor, leading to increased inequality and a variety of social problems, such as housing shortages, poverty, and crime.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a history professor, students must first earn a bachelor's degree in history or a related field. Typically, this requires four years of full-time study.
Pursue a Master's Degree. Earning a master's degree in history or a related field is typically required for admission to a doctoral program in history.
Earn a Doctoral Degree. A doctoral degree in history is required to become a history professor. This typically requires at least four to six years of full-time study and research.
Participate in an Internship. Some doctoral programs in history may require internships. This may be at an archive, library, museum, or other institution.
Gain Teaching Experience. Teaching experience is essential for aspiring history professors. This can be gained through teaching assistantships, adjunct teaching positions, or postdoctoral fellowships.
Publish Research. Publishing research is usually essential for becoming a history professor. This can be done through scholarly journals, books, or other publications.
Apply for Positions. Once all of the requirements have been met, aspiring history professors can begin applying for faculty positions. This can be done through job postings, networking, and other means.

The selection of a reliable and qualified history professor can be critical to the academic success of students. It is important to research thoroughly before making a decision. Factors such as a professor's level of education and experience should be considered, in addition to their reputation in the academic community.

A professor with a higher level of education is likely to have a more comprehensive knowledge of the subject, while an experienced professor can bring a unique perspective to the classroom. reviews from colleagues and former students can provide insight into the professor's teaching style and ability to engage students. taking the time to research and evaluate potential history professors can ensure that students are getting the most out of their studies.

You may want to check Archival Digitization Specialist, Historical Archaeologist, and Historic Preservation Grant Writer for alternative.

Job Description

Teaching Assistant: Assists professor in lecture and lab courses, grade papers, and prepare teaching materials.
Curriculum Designer: Develops and designs curriculum for history classes according to educational standards and goals.
Archivist: Researches and catalogues historical documents, photographs, and other artifacts for archival purposes.
Museum Curator: Develops and maintains museum displays, exhibits, and collections of historical artifacts.
Researcher: Conducts research on historical topics, prepares reports, and presents findings to faculty and students.
Lecturer: Delivers lectures to students on historical topics and provides support in studying and researching.
Historian: Gathers and interprets data on past events and writes articles, books, or other publications about them.
Consultant: Advises businesses or organizations on historical topics or issues related to their specific needs.
Editor: Reviews and edits manuscripts submitted by authors for publication in journals, magazines, or books.
Public Speaker: Presents speeches, lectures, or seminars on historical topics to public or private audiences.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of major historical events, eras, and figures
Ability to interpret and analyze sources
Understanding of research methods and techniques
Proficiency in written and oral communication
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently
Knowledge of major historiographical developments
Ability to teach effectively
Familiarity with technology and its use in teaching
Knowledge of ethical standards in research

Good communication skills are a key factor for any historian to be successful. Being able to effectively explain complex topics, make persuasive arguments in written and spoken form, and actively listen to diverse perspectives are all essential characteristics of a competent historian. being able to research, analyze and interpret data accurately is also an important skill.

A historian must also be able to think critically and ask meaningful questions in order to draw accurate conclusions. Finally, having an understanding of context and the ability to draw connections between past and present events is paramount. By combining these skills in an integrated way, historians can gain a comprehensive understanding of the past that will inform the present and help shape the future.

Historic Preservation Planner, Historical Linguist, and Museum Consultant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have teaching history?
What do you think makes the study of history important?
How would you describe your approach to teaching history?
What methods do you use to engage students in learning history?
How do you deal with students who are uninterested in the subject?
How do you help students develop critical thinking skills when studying history?
What strategies do you use to differentiate instruction based on student needs?
How do you ensure students understand and remember the material?
How do you use technology to enhance your teaching of history?
What challenges have you faced while teaching history and how did you address them?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Archiving Software. A software program which allows for the storage and retrieval of digital records, documents, and artifacts (eg: ArchivesSpace).
Statistical Analysis Software. A software package used for the analysis of numerical data (eg: SPSS).
Citation Management Software. A digital library software used to store and organize references, citations and notes (eg: Zotero).
Library Management Software. Software used to manage library operations, such as cataloging, circulation and acquisitions (eg: Koha).
Data Visualization Software. Software used to create interactive charts, graphs, maps, and other visual representations of data (eg: Tableau).
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Software. Software used to visualize, analyze, and interpret geographic data (eg: ArcGIS).
Qualitative Analysis Software. Software used to analyse qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and other sources (eg: NVivo).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Historical Association
Organization of American Historians
World History Association
Society for Military History
Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations
American Society for Environmental History
American Association for State and Local History
International Association of Historians of Asia
African Studies Association
National Council on Public History

We also have Historical Archivist, Historical Preservation Consultant, and Antiquities Curator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Archaeology. The study of human activity in the past, including artifacts, architecture, and cultural development.
Anthropology. The study of humans and their societies in the past, present, and future.
Art History. The study of art and its history, including painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Cultural History. The study of the culture and customs of a particular period or area of the world.
Historiography. The study of the writing of history, including the methods and theories used to write about history.
Political History. The study of politics and government throughout history.
Social History. The study of social structures, individuals, and groups throughout history.
Economic History. The study of economic systems and practices throughout history.
Intellectual History. The study of ideas, ideologies, and philosophies throughout history.
World History. The study of world cultures and their interactions over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the average salary for a History Professor? A1: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a History Professor is $76,530 per year. Q2: How many years of post-secondary teaching experience is required to become a History Professor? A2: Generally, most colleges and universities require a minimum of three years of teaching experience at the post-secondary level to become a History Professor. Q3: What type of degree is needed to become a History Professor? A3: Typically, a doctoral degree in history or a related field is necessary to become a History Professor. Q4: What are some of the duties of a History Professor? A4: The primary duties of a History Professor include teaching classes, conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and mentoring students. Q5: What are some of the advantages of being a History Professor? A5: The advantages of being a History Professor include having the opportunity to explore and research interesting topics, having job security, and having the satisfaction of helping to shape the minds of future generations.