Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers at the postsecondary level instruct students in these specialized fields. You'll need a master's degree and extensive preparation. The work is research-informed, classroom-based, and deeply social.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
You teach students about atmospheric systems, earth processes, marine environments, and space science through lectures, labs, and discussions. Your days involve preparing course materials, delivering instruction, analyzing scientific data with students, and staying current with new research and discoveries in your field. You interpret complex scientific information for learners at different levels, use computers and software for teaching and research, and help students develop critical thinking skills. You also stay engaged with the latest knowledge in physics, chemistry, and related disciplines to keep your teaching relevant.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $103,170 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 1,000 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a master's degree in atmospheric science, earth science, marine science, space science, or a closely related field. Your preparation involves extensive coursework in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and your specialty area. Many programs combine classroom study with research experience. You'll develop strong writing and speaking skills throughout your education, as these are essential for teaching. Consider internships or teaching assistantships during graduate school to gain classroom experience before entering a full-time faculty role.
Most paths to this career involve earning a master's degree after your bachelor's. The specific program and timeline depend on your background and goals, so if you're exploring options, Pathly can map the atmospheric, earth, marine, and space science teacher, postsecondary path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a realistic plan.
You do not need a license to work as an atmospheric, earth, marine, and space science teacher, postsecondary, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to this work if you enjoy teaching, explaining ideas to others, and creating learning environments where people grow. A social orientation means you thrive on human connection and helping others understand the world.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).