A forestry and conservation science teacher educates college students in environmental science, forest management, and conservation practices. You'll need a doctoral degree and a strong background in both science and teaching. Here's what the role involves and how to prepare.
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You teach forestry and conservation science courses to postsecondary students, staying current with advances in the field and translating complex scientific concepts for learners. Your work involves designing curricula, delivering lectures, leading lab sessions, and interpreting research findings for your students. You identify real-world environmental problems and guide students through creative problem-solving. You also assess student learning, provide feedback, and make decisions about course content and teaching methods based on what helps students learn best.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $101,420 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 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 100 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a doctoral degree in forestry, conservation science, or a closely related field. Your preparation involves extensive coursework in biology, mathematics, geography, and environmental science, along with training in education and teaching methods. Many programs include research components and teaching assistantships that let you gain classroom experience while completing your degree. Strong writing and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to stay current with scientific literature and emerging conservation practices throughout your career.
The main route to this career is earning a doctoral degree in your field of expertise. If you're deciding between different doctoral programs or trying to map out your path from where you are now, Pathly can map the forestry and conservation science teacher, postsecondary path that fits you with your school counselor or academic advisor to build a step-by-step plan.
You do not need a license to work as a forestry and conservation science teacher, postsecondary, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to teaching and helping others learn. You enjoy working with people, sharing knowledge, and creating environments where students can grow intellectually and professionally.
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).