How to become an atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. 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 atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary do
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as structural geology, micrometeorology, and atmospheric thermodynamics.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Supervise laboratory work and field work.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 102% 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
- California $133,230
- New Jersey $131,930
- New Hampshire $130,230
- Oregon $128,140
- Connecticut $123,770
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences 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.