Earth/Marine Sciences Professor

Your Fit

Income

$101K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Earth/Marine Sciences Professor?

An Earth/Marine Sciences Professor is an academic professional specializing in the study of Earth and marine systems. They teach courses related to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and environmental science at the college or university level.

Sample job titles:

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Geology Professor, Professor

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Earth/Marine Sciences Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Earth/Marine Sciences Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$53K per year	$67K per year	$101K per year	$136K per year	$199K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $52K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Earth/Marine Sciences Professor do?

Work environment

Earth/Marine Sciences Professors work in colleges and universities, spending time in classrooms, laboratories, and occasionally in the field for research. They may work in settings that facilitate oceanographic or geological fieldwork, alongside time spent in offices for research, lesson planning, and administrative tasks.

Quick task list

Develops and teaches courses in earth and marine sciences.
Conducts research and field studies in areas such as geology, oceanography, or environmental science.
Publishes research findings in scientific journals.
Supervises undergraduate and graduate student research.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to university governance.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Oceanography: Studying ocean ecosystems, marine life, and oceanographic processes.
Geology: Focusing on the Earth's physical structure, processes, and history.
Meteorology: Specializing in weather and atmospheric science.
Environmental Science: Concentrating on environmental challenges, conservation, and sustainable practices.
Paleontology: Studying fossilized plants and animals to understand Earth's history.

Description

Earth/Marine Sciences Professors are essential in educating students about our planet's and oceans' complex systems. They combine teaching with research, often participating in groundbreaking studies that contribute to our understanding of geological and marine environments. This role requires a blend of fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and classroom instruction, making it diverse and dynamic.

Their work involves not only imparting knowledge but also inspiring students to appreciate and explore Earth and marine sciences. Professors must stay current with scientific advancements and integrate this knowledge into their teaching and research. The job also involves mentoring students, guiding them through academic projects, and preparing them for careers in science.

Being an Earth/Marine Sciences Professor is rewarding, offering the opportunity to influence future scientists and contribute to environmental stewardship and understanding. It combines intellectual challenge with the excitement of discovery and the satisfaction of contributing to important environmental issues.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to scientific knowledge and environmental understanding.
Inspiring and educating the next generation of earth and marine scientists.
Engaging in diverse and often groundbreaking research.
Opportunities for outdoor and field-based research activities.

You might make a good Earth/Marine Sciences Professor if you are...

Passionate about the Earth and marine environments and their study.
Interested in both fieldwork and academic research.
A strong communicator, able to convey complex scientific concepts.
Skilled in analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Eager to inspire and mentor students in scientific pursuits.

Pros:

Intellectual stimulation from teaching and conducting research.
Opportunities to explore and study diverse environmental systems.
Satisfaction from contributing to important ecological and geological discoveries.

Cons:

The academic path to becoming a professor can be competitive and lengthy.
Balancing teaching, research, fieldwork, and administrative duties.
Pressure to publish research and secure funding.

How to become an Earth/Marine Sciences Professor

Typical education

This occupation typically requires a Ph.D. in Earth sciences, marine sciences, or a related field, which can take 5-7 years to complete following a bachelor's degree. Some positions, particularly at community colleges, might accept a master's degree in a relevant field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
Mathematics, especially statistics and calculus, for data analysis.
Geography and earth science classes to build foundational knowledge.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in science clubs or environmental organizations.
Involvement in science fairs or research projects.
Volunteering in conservation projects or outdoor activities.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in earth sciences, marine biology, or a related field.
Engage in undergraduate research, internships, or fieldwork opportunities.
Pursue a Ph.D. in a specialized area of earth or marine sciences.
Gain teaching experience through assistantships or teaching roles.
Publish research and present findings at scientific conferences.

More resources

American Geophysical Union (AGU) - A community of Earth and space scientists providing resources and networking opportunities.
National Association of Marine Laboratories (NAML) - Offers collaboration and resources for marine research.
Ecological Society of America (ESA) - A community for ecological scientists and educators.
Geological Society of America (GSA) - Supports geoscientists and provides educational resources.

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