Career Overview
Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Also Known As
- Computer Information Systems Instructor (CIS Instructor)
- Computer Science Professor
- Instructor
- Professor
Alternate Job Titles
- Adjunct Computer Science Professor
- Adjunct Instructor
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor
- C++ Professor
- College Faculty Member
- College Professor
- Computer Applications Instructor
- Computer Engineering Professor
- Computer Information Systems Instructor (CIS Instructor)
- Computer Information Systems Professor (CIS Professor)
- Computer Instructor
- Computer Networking Instructor
- Computer Programming Professor
- Computer Science Adjunct Instructor
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations or assign this work to others.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as programming, data structures, and software design.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Instructing
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Speech Clarity
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Dependability
- Innovation
- Achievement Orientation
- Attention to Detail
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- 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: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
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
- Adobe Photoshop
- C
- C#
- C++
- Google Docs
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
Tools & Equipment
- Carousel slide projectors
- Compact digital cameras
- Compact disk CD players
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Computer projectors
- Conference telephones
- Desktop computers
- Digital calculators
- Digital video disk DVD players
- Digital video editors
- Handheld microphones
- Handheld videocameras
- Interactive whiteboard controllers
- Interactive whiteboards
Work Environment
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $48,910 |
| Median | $96,690 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $172,380 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 36,240
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $171,200
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $97,270
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $79,350
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $78,630
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $106,120
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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.