All careers

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

What you’d do

  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as mechanics, hydraulics, and robotics.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate class discussions.

Skills that matter

  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Assistant Professor
  • Associate Professor
  • Instructor
  • Professor
  • Chemical Engineering Professor
  • Electrical Engineering Professor
See all careers
  • Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

    Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

    Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a…

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

  • Architectural and Engineering Managers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

  • Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or…

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

  • Materials Scientists

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

    Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching…

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher