Unlock the Magic of Mythology and Folklore: Epic Careers in Academia Await!
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mythology and Folklore faculty jobs, where ancient tales meet modern scholarship. This interdisciplinary field draws from literature, anthropology, history, and religious studies to explore humanity's oldest stories—from Norse sagas to Native American trickster myths. Aspiring students and professors find rewarding paths in higher education. Browse higher ed jobs today to launch your journey.
Students can start with bachelor's programs emphasizing comparative mythology or ethnographic fieldwork, advancing to PhDs at elite institutions. Career paths extend beyond academia to museums, publishing, and cultural consulting. For faculty, tenure-track roles involve teaching myth analysis and researching fringe topics like urban legends in digital age or Jungian archetypes in pop culture. Rate My Mythology and Folklore Professor to discover standout educators shaping the field.
Competitive job market trends show growth in interdisciplinary hires, blending folklore with gaming narratives (e.g., analyzing myths in titles like God of War). Salaries start at $78,000 for assistant professors, per 2023 AAUP data, climbing to $125,000+ for tenured roles—explore specifics via our professor salaries tool. Strong programs cluster in the US Midwest, like Indiana University's Folklore Department, founded 1962, and Harvard's Folklore and Mythology program. UK seekers check jobs.ac.uk for Celtic mythology posts at Edinburgh.
Why Study Mythology and Folklore?
This niche thrives on unique quirks, such as Appalachian ghost stories influencing horror films or Slavic folklore's role in modern fantasy. Programs teach critical analysis of oral traditions, vital for understanding cultural identity. Higher ed career advice recommends pairing with digital humanities for employability.
- 📖 Core courses: Hero's journey, comparative myths
- 🌍 Fieldwork: Collecting contemporary legends
- 🔬 Fringe: Myth in AI storytelling ethics
Top Universities and Programs
Indiana University Bloomington leads with 50+ faculty; UCLA's folklore center explores Pacific myths. Ivy League shines at Ivy League schools like Harvard. Ivy League guide details admissions.
| University | Notable Feature |
|---|---|
| Indiana University | Oldest US folklore dept. |
| Harvard University | Mythology concentration |
| UC Berkeley | Anthropology-folklore blend |
Faculty Job Opportunities
Faculty jobs in mythology are rare but prestigious, often at liberal arts colleges or research universities. Recent postings seek experts in African diaspora folklore. Adjuncts start here; see adjunct professor jobs. Rate My Folklore Professor for networking insights. Remote options grow via remote higher ed jobs.
Find Professor JobsSalaries and Earnings Trends
Professor Salaries by Rank
Assistant: $78,400 avg (US); Associate: $95,200; Full: $130,500. Midwest locales like Indiana offer lower costs, boosting net pay. Women in folklore earn 92% of male counterparts. Track via professor salaries and university salaries. Prestige boosts at Ivies.
Career Paths for Graduates
Students transition to academia, research jobs, or non-profits. Fringe paths: Myth consultant for Hollywood (e.g., Marvel's Thor lore). Rate My Mythology Professor highlights alumni success. Parents, explore scholarships for funding.
Emerging Trends and Quirks
Folklore adapts to social media myths (e.g., Slender Man phenomenon, born 2009). Demand rises for decolonizing myths curricula. Check university rankings for top folklore hubs. Career advice predicts 5% job growth by 2030.
Search Jobs NowAssociations for Mythology and Folklore
American Folklore Society
A professional organization dedicated to fostering the study, documentation, and teaching of folklore and expressive culture in the Americas.
The Folklore Society
The oldest folklore society in the world, focused on promoting research and publication on folklore, traditions, and customs primarily in the British Isles.
International Society for Folk Narrative Research
An international association that advances the scholarly study of folk narratives, including myths, legends, and folktales from around the world.
Société Internationale d'Ethnologie et de Folklore
An international scholarly organization promoting interdisciplinary cooperation in ethnological and folkloristic studies with a focus on European traditions.
Mythopoeic Society
A non-profit organization encouraging the study and appreciation of mythopoeic literature, including fantasy works inspired by mythology and folklore.
International Association for Comparative Mythology
An association dedicated to the comparative study of myths across different cultures and historical periods worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
📚What degrees can I earn in Mythology and Folklore?
💼What careers await Mythology graduates?
💰How much do Mythology professors earn?
🏫Top universities for Folklore studies?
📈Is there demand for these faculty jobs?
🌐Unique quirks in modern Folklore?
🔍How to find Mythology adjunct roles?
🎭Role of myths in today's culture?
No Job Listings Found
There are currently no jobs available.
Receive university job alerts
Get alerts from AcademicJobs.com as soon as new jobs are posted