Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Postsecondary geography teachers instruct students in colleges and universities, covering topics like cartography, cultural geography, and geographic information systems. Their daily activities involve teaching others, processing information, and interpreting complex data for their students. They must stay current with academic developments, which requires updating their knowledge, gathering information, and using computers to analyze data.

To succeed in this role, educators rely on strong skills in instructing, public speaking, writing, and active listening. They also use critical thinking and learning strategies to solve problems and design coursework. This profession requires deep knowledge of geography, history, education, and the English language, alongside mathematics and sociology. These teachers typically have a strong social interest, meaning they enjoy helping, teaching, and communicating with others. They must demonstrate dependability, attention to detail, and intellectual curiosity in their academic and research pursuits.

Entering this career typically requires a doctoral or professional degree, as most positions demand extensive preparation. A graduate degree, such as a master's degree or a PhD, is generally expected. Students preparing for this field often major in geography and cartography, geography and environmental studies, or teacher education for specific subject areas. Other relevant majors include geography and anthropology, as well as security science and technology.

While advanced academic degrees are the primary pathway, some professionals in this field may pursue specific credentials. For example, the LIUNA Instructor Certification from LIUNA Training and Education is a recognized certification in the field. This career is also known by titles such as assistant professor, associate professor, or geographic information systems faculty member.

The median annual salary for postsecondary geography teachers is $97,590. Earnings vary based on experience and institution, with the lowest 10% of earners making less than $52,550 and the highest 10% earning more than $165,460. The field is projected to grow by 2.7% from 2025 to 2035, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 300 job openings each year.