Home Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Postsecondary home economics teachers instruct undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as food science, nutrition, and child care. This includes preparing and delivering lectures, evaluating and grading students' class work, assignments, and papers, and preparing course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Postsecondary home economics teachers also advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues and keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

Four-year colleges and universities usually require candidates for full-time, tenure-track positions to hold a doctoral degree. However, they may hire master's degree holders or doctoral candidates for part-time and temporary jobs. In two-year colleges, master's degree holders fill most full-time teaching positions. Many two-year institutions increasingly prefer job applicants to have some teaching experience or experience with distance learning.

Job openings will stem from faster than the average employment growth and many expected retirements. Competition is expected for tenure-track positions; better opportunities are expected for part-time or non-tenure-track positions. Ph.D. recipients should experience the best job prospects.