A mathematical science teacher at the postsecondary level instructs students in mathematics and related subjects. You'll need a master's degree and strong expertise in your field. The work is intellectually demanding and requires both deep knowledge and teaching skill.
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You teach mathematics courses to college and university students, designing curriculum and delivering lectures that help students understand complex concepts. Your day involves preparing lesson plans, grading assignments and exams, holding office hours to support student learning, and staying current with developments in mathematics and pedagogy. You interpret mathematical concepts for diverse learners, communicate with colleagues and administrators about program direction, and use technology to enhance instruction. You also engage in scholarly work and may contribute to your institution's research mission.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $79,940 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 4,400 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a master's degree in mathematics or a related mathematical science field. This typically requires two years of graduate study beyond your bachelor's degree, where you develop advanced mathematical knowledge and often gain teaching experience through assistantships. During your studies, you'll take specialized mathematics courses, complete research or thesis work, and often teach or tutor undergraduates. Some positions may require or prefer a doctoral degree. Teaching experience gained during graduate school strengthens your candidacy for faculty positions.
Most paths to this career involve earning a master's degree, though some positions prefer a doctorate. The choice depends on your career goals and the institutions you're targeting, so if you're weighing your options, Pathly can map the mathematical science teacher, postsecondary path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a timeline that fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a mathematical science teacher, postsecondary, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to working with people and helping them learn. You enjoy explaining ideas clearly, listening to student concerns, and creating an environment where learning happens.
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).