Career Overview
Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Also Known As
- Instructor
- Mathematics Instructor (Math Instructor)
- Mathematics Professor
- Professor
Alternate Job Titles
- Actuarial Science Professor
- Actuarial Science Teacher
- Adjunct Instructor
- Adjunct Lecturer
- Adjunct Mathematics Instructor
- Adjunct Mathematics Professor (Adjunct Math Professor)
- Adjunct Professor
- Algebra Teacher
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor
- Biometry Teacher
- Biostatistics Professor
- Biostatistics Teacher
- Calculus Professor
- Calculus Teacher
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Hire adjunct faculty.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Mathematics
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Instructing
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Number Facility
- Oral Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Speech Clarity
- Written Expression
- Near Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Achievement Orientation
- Social Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Master's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
- Microsoft Word
- SAS
Tools & Equipment
- Carousel slide projectors
- Compact digital cameras
- Compact disk CD players
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Conference telephones
- Desktop computers
- Digital calculators
- Digital video cameras
- Digital video disk DVD players
- Handheld microphones
- Interactive whiteboard controllers
- Interactive whiteboards
- Laptop computers
- Laser facsimile machines
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Public Speaking
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $48,150 |
| Median | $79,350 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $161,020 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 48,820
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.