Literary scholar
Also known as: literary research scientist, literature scholar, literary scientist, literary studies researcher, literary studies scholar, literary studies scientist
About this occupation
Literary scholars research works of literature, history of literature, genres, and literary criticism in order to appraise the works and the surrounding aspects in an appropriate context and to produce research results on specific topics in the field of literature.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply scientific methods
- copyright legislation
- scientific research methodology
- perform scientific research
- literary criticism
- writing techniques
- literary techniques
- literary theory
- spelling
- consult information sources
- types of literature genres
- perform background research on writing subject
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (O*NET 25-1123.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Teach writing or communication classes.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Investigative, Artistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Instructing, Writing, Speaking, Active Listening, Learning Strategies
US median pay: US$78,760 a year (2025), 57,720 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.7)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (4.1)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyVery important (3.8)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyVery important (3.7)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.3)
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- 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).
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
- History Teachers, Postsecondary
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.