Environmental Science Professor

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Environmental Sciences Professor, Professor
Job Description

An Environmental Science Professor is an academic specialist who teaches and conducts research in environmental science. They focus on the study of the environment, examining the impact of human activities on ecosystems and finding sustainable solutions.

Typical Preparation

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 4.2% (above average)

Annual job openings: 700

Direct AI exposure: 20% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 65% of tasks

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $95K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$58K
per year
$70K
per year
$95K
per year
$127K
per year
$164K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $44K above the national average.

What does an Environmental Science Professor do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental science.
  • Conducts research on environmental issues such as pollution, conservation, and climate change.
  • Publishes research findings in academic journals.
  • Supervises student research projects and dissertations.
  • Participates in academic committees and contributes to curriculum development.

Work environment

Environmental Science Professors work primarily in colleges and universities, teaching in classrooms, laboratories, and sometimes conducting fieldwork in various environments. They also spend time in offices for research, administrative tasks, and academic meetings.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Conservation Biology: Focusing on the preservation and management of biodiversity.
  • Environmental Policy and Management: Studying the development and implementation of environmental policies.
  • Ecology: Investigating the relationships between organisms and their environments.
  • Climate Science: Concentrating on climate systems and the effects of climate change.
  • Sustainable Development: Exploring sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

Description

Environmental Science Professors play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of environmental issues and potential solutions. They are responsible for educating students on ecological principles, environmental challenges, and sustainability practices. Their teaching methods often include a mix of lectures, laboratory work, and field research, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Research is a significant part of their role, with many professors undertaking projects that address critical environmental problems. This research can influence policy, improve environmental practices, and increase public awareness of environmental issues. The ability to secure funding and publish research findings in scientific journals is key to their professional success and contribution to the field.

In addition to teaching and research, these professors are often involved in academic service activities, such as curriculum development, serving on committees, and participating in public outreach. They may also collaborate with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector entities to apply their research findings to real-world environmental challenges.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Environmental Science Professor if you are...

Pros:

  • Intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to contribute to important environmental research.
  • Diverse work activities, including teaching, fieldwork, and laboratory research.
  • Potential to influence environmental policy and practices through research and advocacy.

Cons:

  • Pressure to publish research and secure funding.
  • Balancing teaching responsibilities with research and administrative tasks.
  • The need to stay current in a rapidly evolving field with complex and global challenges.

How to become an Environmental Science Professor

Typical education

Becoming an Environmental Science Professor typically requires a Ph.D. in Environmental Science or a related field, which involves about 8-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate studies.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Biology and Chemistry to understand the scientific basis of environmental issues.
  • Environmental Science to gain an overview of ecological and environmental concepts.
  • Mathematics, especially statistics, for data analysis in environmental research.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Participate in environmental clubs or outdoor education programs.
  • Volunteer with local conservation projects or environmental organizations.
  • Engage in citizen science projects or sustainability initiatives.

Preparation after high school

  • Pursue a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or a related field.
  • Engage in undergraduate research opportunities and internships related to environmental science.
  • Obtain a master's degree and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science or a related discipline.
  • Gain teaching experience, possibly through graduate teaching assistantships.

More resources

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.