Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

25-1126.00 Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation Needed

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: Adjunct Faculty Member, Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Philosophy Professor, Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Biblical Studies Professor, Church History Teacher, ...

Annual Salary

$78,050

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$60,980 25th – 75th percentile $101,680
10th percentile $47,550
90th percentile $134,910
U.S. Employment: 20,840

Job Outlook

+0.7%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)

Annual Job Openings 2,000 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Doctoral or professional degree

What You'd Do

  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • 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.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 4.3
Active Listening 4.1
Speaking 4.1
Instructing 4.1
Writing 4.0
Critical Thinking 4.0
Learning Strategies 3.9
Active Learning 3.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Philosophy and Theology 4.8
English Language 4.6
Education and Training 4.2
History and Archeology 3.5
Sociology and Anthropology 3.2
Law and Government 3.0
Computers and Electronics 3.0
Communications and Media 2.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Doctoral
73.8%
Master's
13.1%
Post-Doctoral
12.5%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

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

Other Tools

Blackboard Learn Calendar and scheduling software Collaborative editing software Course management system software Desire2Learn LMS software DOC Cop Email software Gateway to Logic Image scanning software InteLext Past Masters iParadigms Turnitin Learning management system LMS Moodle Philosopher's Information Center The Philosopher's Index Sakai CLE +3 more

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

3.0
Intellectual Curiosity
2.4
Integrity
2.2
Dependability
2.1
Social Orientation
2.1
Innovation
2.1
Achievement Orientation
2.1
Cooperation

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Written Comprehension 4.1
Oral Expression 4.1
Speech Clarity 4.1
Oral Comprehension 4.0
Written Expression 4.0
Inductive Reasoning 4.0
Deductive Reasoning 3.9
Near Vision 3.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Training and Teaching Others 4.8
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others 4.5
Getting Information 4.5
Thinking Creatively 4.2
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.2
Working with Computers 4.1
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 3.9
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events 3.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

E-Mail
5.0
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.6
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.6
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.5
Contact With Others
4.3
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.3
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.2
Public Speaking
4.0
Spend Time Sitting
3.9
Frequency of Decision Making
3.8
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
3.8
Time Pressure
3.6

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.