Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

Career Overview

Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Also Known As

Assistant Professor
Philosophy Professor
Professor
Religion Professor

Alternate Job Titles

Adjunct Faculty Member
Adjunct Instructor
Adjunct Philosophy Professor
Adjunct Professor
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Biblical Studies Professor
Church History Teacher
Church Music Professor
College Faculty Member
College Professor
Divinity Professor
Divinity Teacher
Eastern Philosophy Professor
Educator

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

Philosophy and Theology
English Language
Education and Training

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Instructing
Writing
Critical Thinking
Learning Strategies
Active Learning

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Speech Clarity
Oral Expression
Written Comprehension
Inductive Reasoning
Oral Comprehension
Written Expression
Deductive Reasoning
Near Vision
Problem Sensitivity
Speech Recognition

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

Intellectual Curiosity
Integrity
Dependability
Social Orientation
Innovation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Achievement
Independence
Recognition
Relationships
Working Conditions

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Doctoral Degree

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration

Education Details: 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 Required: 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.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

Google Docs
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word

Tools & Equipment

Carousel slide projectors
Compact digital cameras
Compact disk CD players
Computer data input scanners
Computer laser printers
Computer projectors
Conference telephones
Desktop computers
Digital calculators
Digital video cameras
Digital video disk DVD players
Handheld microphones
Interactive whiteboard controllers
Interactive whiteboards
Laptop computers

Work Environment

E-Mail
Freedom to Make Decisions
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Contact With Others

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$47,550
Median	$78,050
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$134,910

Workers Employed Nationally: 20,840