Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

These educators teach college-level courses in specialized social science fields not classified under other categories, such as city planning, family consumer science, labor relations, and military science. Their daily work involves preparing lectures, leading classroom discussions, grading assignments, and advising students on academic progress.

To succeed in this role, instructors need strong communication skills, deep knowledge of their specific subject area, and a genuine interest in teaching and mentoring. They must be analytical, organized, and comfortable presenting complex information to diverse groups of students. Depending on the institution, these teachers may also conduct original research, write scholarly papers, and participate in campus committees.

Entering this field typically requires a doctoral or professional degree, which is the standard preparation level for most postsecondary teaching positions. Students preparing for this career often major in sociology, general social sciences, international or globalization studies, or urban studies and affairs. Other relevant majors include ethics and humanities, educational assessment, evaluation, and research, or city, urban, community, and regional planning.

While advanced degrees are the primary requirement, some educators may pursue specific professional credentials depending on their teaching focus. For example, the LIUNA Instructor Certification from LIUNA Training & Education is a recognized certification in this field.

In 2025, the median annual pay for these postsecondary social sciences teachers was $72,990. Earnings vary significantly based on experience, institution type, and location, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $40,670 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $164,420.

There were 16,580 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 1.6 percent, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Despite this slow growth, about 1,300 job openings are expected to become available each year.