Also called: Postsecondary Environmental Science Teacher
Teaches college courses on ecosystems, pollution, climate, and natural resources, and does field research.
Some days are lectures on water quality; other days mean wading into a creek with students to collect samples. Professors also write grants and publish papers on topics like wildfire recovery or microplastics.
May 2025 BLS figures.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. Ph.D. in the field for tenure-track jobs; a master's can be enough at community colleges.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Environmental Science, Ecology, Geology, Environmental Studies.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS projects about-average growth (2024-34).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI and satellites speed data analysis; field trips, creek sampling and mentoring stay human, with limited faculty openings.
Classes: AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 25-1053.
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