Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers at colleges and universities spend their days educating undergraduate and graduate students about complex natural systems and phenomena. They design and deliver lectures on topics ranging from climate patterns and ocean currents to planetary geology and the structure of galaxies. Beyond the classroom, they hold office hours to advise students, guide research projects, and serve on academic committees. Many divide their time between teaching and conducting their own research, writing grant proposals to fund field expeditions or laboratory work, analyzing data, and publishing findings in scientific journals. They might lead field trips to geological sites, operate specialized equipment in research vessels, or collaborate with scientists at observatories and research stations.