History teachers at the postsecondary level design courses, deliver lectures, and guide students through research and analysis of historical events and societies. You'll need a doctoral degree and a deep command of both history and teaching methods.
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You identify key historical events, objects, and patterns that matter to your students. You gather information from primary and secondary sources, then translate that knowledge into engaging lessons. Your work involves analyzing historical data, thinking creatively about how to present complex topics, and training students in research and critical thinking. You stay current in your field and monitor student progress, adjusting your teaching strategies as needed. Much of your time goes to preparing materials, grading, and one-on-one mentoring.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
History Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $83,820 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 0 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 1,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a doctoral degree in history or a related field. This typically follows a bachelor's degree and a master's program, representing extensive preparation. During graduate study, you develop expertise in specific historical periods or regions while learning how to teach at the college level. Many programs include teaching assistantships that give you classroom experience. Once you complete your doctorate, you'll apply for faculty positions at colleges and universities, where hiring committees evaluate your research, teaching philosophy, and scholarly contributions.
The path to a history professorship runs through a master's degree and then a doctorate. The timeline and focus of your studies matter, so if you're planning this route, Pathly can map the history teacher, postsecondary path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to stay on track.
You do not need a license to work as a history teacher, postsecondary, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to teaching and helping others learn. You enjoy working with people, sharing knowledge, and creating environments where students can think critically about complex topics and ideas.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).