Occupation AtlasPhilosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

O*NET · 25-1126.00

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.

Also called Adjunct Faculty Member · Adjunct Instructor · Adjunct Philosophy Professor · Adjunct Professor · Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Biblical Studies Professor · Church History Teacher
34 more

Church Music Professor · College Faculty Member · College Professor · Divinity Professor · Divinity Teacher · Eastern Philosophy Professor · Educator · Ethics Professor · Humanities Professor · Instructor · Jewish Educator · Metaphysics Teacher · Old Testament Professor · Online Philosophy Instructor · Pastoral Ministries Professor · Philosophy Adjunct Instructor · Philosophy Adjunct Professor · Philosophy Assistant Professor · Philosophy Faculty Member · Philosophy Instructor · Philosophy Lecturer · Philosophy Professor · Philosophy Specialist · Professor · Religion Instructor · Religion Professor · Religious Educator · Religious Studies Professor · Religious Studies Teacher · Systematic Theology Professor · Theology Professor · Theology Teacher · University Faculty Member · Western Philosophy Professor

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code SIA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SIASocial · Investigative · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • I Investigative5.14
  • A Artistic3.76
  • C Conventional3.48
  • E Enterprising2.77
  • R Realistic2.46

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Master's Degree13%
  • Doctoral Degree74%
  • Post-Doctoral Training13%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (51%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (63%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • InstructingImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23

Tasks

21 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.Importance 4.7
  2. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.Importance 4.6
  3. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.Importance 4.6
  4. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.Importance 4.5
  5. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.Importance 4.5
  6. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.Importance 4.4
  7. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.Importance 4.2
  8. Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.Importance 4.1
  9. Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.Importance 4.1
  10. Write articles and books.Importance 4.1
  11. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.Importance 4.0
  12. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.Importance 3.9
Show the other 10
  1. Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.Importance 3.9
  2. Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.Importance 3.9
  3. Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.Importance 3.8
  4. Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.Importance 3.8
  5. Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.Importance 3.6
  6. Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.Importance 3.4
  7. Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.Importance 3.2
  8. Participate in campus and community events.Importance 3.1
  9. Act as advisers to student organizations.Importance 3.1
  10. Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.Importance 2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 4.8Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Compare the teachings of major philosophers
  • English LanguageImportance 4.6Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Teach a college English class
  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
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  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • PsychologyImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Ask directions in a foreign city
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 2.7
  • GeographyImportance 2.1Level 2.8
  • MathematicsImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.8
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • BiologyImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level —
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • TransportationImportance 1.4Level —
  • DesignImportance 1.2Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.1Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.0Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Explain advanced principles of genetics to college freshmen
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.6
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  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • MemorizationImportance 3.0Level 2.9
  • OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Time SharingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 0.8
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.8Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Develop and conduct training programs for a medical school
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.7
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.8
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.7Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.5
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.2
  • Public Speaking4.0
  • Spend Time Sitting3.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making3.8

Technology

22 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Learning management system LMS

Hot (6)

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (15)
  • Blackboard Learn
  • 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
  • Moodle
  • Philosopher's Information Center The Philosopher's Index
  • Sakai CLE
  • University of California Thesaurus Linguae Graecae TLG
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.