How to become an area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary do

• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring

Is area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 67% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• New Hampshire $125,450
• Kansas $107,120
• California $105,220
• Maine $103,060
• New York $101,800

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.