Education and libraries
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary
Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay
$80,260
Growth to 2035
+2%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
1,800
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary: 69% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Write articles and books.
Also called: Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Humanities Professor · Instructor · Philosophy Instructor · Philosophy Professor · Professor · Religion Professor
Outlook and AI
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary held 26,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 27,300 by 2035 (+2%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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