Politics and History Jobs in Higher Education

Introduction & Overview

Politics and History faculty jobs explore the intersection of power, governance, and human events. The field blends political science—examining governments, policies, ideologies, and international relations—with history, the systematic analysis of past events, societies, and cultures. Key concepts include comparative politics, sovereignty, hegemony, path dependency, and historiography. Current relevance is high amid geopolitical tensions, with parallels between historical appeasement and modern authoritarianism, plus colonial legacies shaping conflicts today.

Academic hiring in related fields grew 5% from 2018-2023 per the American Historical Association, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% growth in postsecondary teaching positions through 2032. Opportunities include analyzing elections, populism, policy evolution, and global affairs. Students encounter courses such as Ancient Political Thought, 20th-Century World History, and Political History of the 20th Century.

Qualifications & Career Pathways

Tenure-track roles require a PhD in Political Science, History, or an interdisciplinary field such as International Relations or Political History. The doctorate typically takes 4-7 years and includes comprehensive exams, a dissertation on topics like democratic transitions or colonial legacies, and defense. Adjunct or lecturer positions may begin with a master’s degree, but advancement requires the PhD. Essential skills include analytical thinking, quantitative and qualitative research methods, archival work, and strong communication for teaching.

Candidates need 3-5 peer-reviewed publications or a book manuscript. Teaching experience as a graduate assistant or adjunct builds the portfolio. Language proficiency or data-analysis credentials add value. The path begins with a bachelor’s in Political Science, History, or International Relations, followed by internships at think tanks or government offices. A master’s degree often serves as a stepping stone. Post-PhD, postdoctoral fellowships at centers like Harvard’s Weatherhead or Yale’s MacMillan Center enhance visibility before applying for assistant professor roles.

Career Stages

Only 15-20% of political science PhDs secure tenure-track positions. Networking at APSA and AHA conferences and publishing early are critical.

Salaries, Benefits & Compensation

Entry-level assistant professors in the U.S. earn a median of $85,000-$110,000 annually, with figures reaching $120,000 at elite institutions. Associate professors earn $100,000-$125,000, while full professors command $130,000-$160,000 or more. In the UK, lecturers start at £45,000-£65,000 and rise to £80,000 for seniors. Australia offers up to AUD 150,000 for senior roles. Salaries are 20-30% higher in high-cost areas such as California and New York.

Over the past five years, salaries have risen 3-5% annually. Public universities provide stable benefits; private institutions often offer higher base pay. Benefits include health insurance (80-100% covered), retirement matching up to 10% via TIAA, sabbaticals every seven years, and tuition remission. Negotiation can secure 10-15% above initial offers plus startup funds of $20,000-$50,000. Explore detailed breakdowns on professor salaries.

Compensation by Role (US, 2023)

Locations & Top/Specializing Institutions

Washington, D.C. offers strong demand at Georgetown and George Washington University due to policy proximity, with assistant professor salaries averaging $95,000-$130,000. New York and California pay premiums. In Europe, the UK seeks Brexit and EU specialists at Oxford and Cambridge with salaries of $55,000-$85,000 USD equivalent; Germany funds Central European history roles in Berlin and Munich. Australia and Singapore emphasize Asia-Pacific geopolitics, with salaries of $80,000-$110,000 USD.

Regional Demand and Pay

Premier Institutions

Tips for Landing a Job or Enrolling

Earn a PhD from a reputable program such as Harvard’s Government Department or Oxford’s Politics faculty. Publish 3-5 peer-reviewed articles in journals like the American Political Science Review or Journal of Historical Sociology. Network at APSA and AHA conferences—70% of hires occur through connections. Gain teaching experience as a TA or adjunct via adjunct professor jobs. Tailor CVs and cover letters to each posting using free resume templates. Practice teaching demos on topics like Cold War politics. Pursue internships at think tanks and postdocs via postdoc jobs. Monitor salaries and locations strategically with professor salaries data. Emphasize diversity contributions and ethical scholarship.

Students should prioritize research methods courses, apply for scholarships, and review professors on Rate My Professor before enrolling. Explore openings on higher-ed-jobs/faculty and Politics and History faculty jobs.

Diversity, Inclusion & Professional Networks

Women comprise 42% of U.S. political science faculty (up from 28% in 2000), while faculty of color represent 18%. Underrepresented minorities hold 12-15% of history positions. Mandatory diversity statements, equity training, and Title IX compliance drive change. Inclusive departments attract top talent and produce innovative research on colonial histories and intersectional politics.

Join APSA’s Women and Minorities Sections or AHA’s Committee on Minority Historians. Volunteer for outreach to underrepresented students. Research salary equity via professor salaries—women in political science earn 92% of men’s median.

Key Professional Networks

Resources & Perspectives

APSA eJobs lists over 1,200 Politics and History positions annually. AHA Career Resources provides webinars and guides on tenure and alt-ac paths. H-Net Job Guide covers global humanities postings. Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs features 2,000+ higher-ed listings yearly. Use Rate My Professor to evaluate teaching styles and department culture at target institutions before applying via higher-ed-jobs/faculty.

Faculty in the field receive average ratings of 3.8-4.2 on Rate My Professor, with praise for connecting historical events to current challenges such as democratic backsliding. Top-rated professors often earn 10-15% more. Cross-reference reviews with professor salaries data and higher-ed career advice. Visit APSA Career Resources or AHA Jobs for additional tools. Start your search on Politics and History faculty jobs.