Physical Sciences

Interest Area

Explore how nature shapes our earth, oceans, and universe. Students who complete an area of study in Physical Sciences will develop skills in the application of mathematics, analysis, scientific writing and laboratory techniques to a large cross section of physical phenomena. Areas of study include Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, and Oceanography.

Programs of Study

Fast Track Career Path

Chemistry

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Geology

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Physics

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Explore Careers

Postsecondary Geography Teachers

Median Salary

$105,266

Job Growth

+10%

Education

Master's Degree
19%

Doctoral or More
81%

View Career

Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

New workers start around $55,964. Normal pay is $105,266 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $199,655.

Education

Master's Degree
19%

Doctoral or More
81%

Core Tasks

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as urbanization, environmental systems, and cultural geography.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
Supervise students' laboratory and field work.
Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
Perform spatial analysis and modeling using geographic information system techniques.
Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.

Median Salary

$105,266

Job Growth

+10%

Postsecondary Specialized Health Teachers

Median Salary

$105,266

Job Growth

+10%

Education

Certificate
3%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
12%

Master's Degree
36%

Doctoral or More
44%

View Career

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

New workers start around $55,964. Normal pay is $105,266 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $199,655.

Education

Certificate
3%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
12%

Master's Degree
36%

Doctoral or More
44%

Core Tasks

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Supervise laboratory sessions.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Participate in campus and community events.

Median Salary

$105,266

Job Growth

+10%

Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers

Median Salary

$88,602

Job Growth

+11%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
81%

Master's Degree
19%

View Career

Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

New workers start around $30,672. Normal pay is $88,602 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $144,727.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
81%

Master's Degree
19%

Core Tasks

Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Assign and grade class work and homework.
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
Guide and counsel students with adjustments or academic problems, or special academic interests.
Select, store, order, issue, inventory, and maintain classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of middle school programs.
Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
Perform administrative duties, such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.

Median Salary

$88,602

Job Growth

+11%

Secondary School Teachers

Median Salary

$88,276

Job Growth

-11%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
67%

Master's Degree
28%

Doctoral or More
4%

View Career

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

New workers start around $58,638. Normal pay is $88,276 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $116,604.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
67%

Master's Degree
28%

Doctoral or More
4%

Core Tasks

Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
Assign and grade class work and homework.
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
Instruct and monitor students in the use of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests.
Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
Perform administrative duties, such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.
Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
Administer standardized ability and achievement tests and interpret results to determine students' strengths and areas of need.

Median Salary

$88,276

Job Growth

-11%

Secondary School Career and Technical Education Teachers

Median Salary

$77,736

Job Growth

-19%

Education

Certificate
15%

Bachelor's Degree
74%

Master's Degree
11%

View Career

Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level.

New workers start around $59,065. Normal pay is $77,736 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $103,831.

Education

Certificate
15%

Bachelor's Degree
74%

Master's Degree
11%

Core Tasks

Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
Prepare materials and classroom for class activities.
Assign and grade class work and homework.
Instruct students in the knowledge and skills required in a specific occupation or occupational field, using a systematic plan of lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations, and laboratory, shop, and field studies.
Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students.
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Plan and supervise work-experience programs in businesses, industrial shops, and school laboratories.
Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests.
Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
Place students in jobs or make referrals to job placement services.
Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
Select, order, store, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
Keep informed about trends in education and subject matter specialties.
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
Perform administrative duties, such as assisting in school libraries, hall and cafeteria monitoring, and bus loading and unloading.

Median Salary

$77,736

Job Growth

-19%

Archivists

Median Salary

$58,275

Job Growth

+24%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
16%

Master's Degree
84%

View Career

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

New workers start around $29,804. Normal pay is $58,275 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $101,950.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
16%

Master's Degree
84%

Core Tasks

Organize archival records and develop classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
Provide reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials.
Prepare archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information.
Establish and administer policy guidelines concerning public access and use of materials.
Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
Create and maintain accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology.
Preserve records, documents, and objects, copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary.
Direct activities of workers who assist in arranging, cataloguing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of valuable materials.
Locate new materials and direct their acquisition and display.
Authenticate and appraise historical documents and archival materials.
Specialize in an area of history or technology, researching topics or items relevant to collections to determine what should be retained or acquired.
Coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes.
Select and edit documents for publication and display, applying knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques.

Median Salary

$58,275

Job Growth

+24%

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Physical Sciences

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Postsecondary Geography Teachers

Postsecondary Specialized Health Teachers

Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers

Secondary School Teachers

Secondary School Career and Technical Education Teachers

Archivists

Is this Interest Area right for you?

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About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Physical Sciences

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Postsecondary Geography Teachers

Postsecondary Specialized Health Teachers

Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers

Secondary School Teachers

Secondary School Career and Technical Education Teachers

Archivists

Is this Interest Area right for you?

Business Sciences

Humanities

Integrated Design, Engineering & Automation

Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

Languages & Learning Resources

Life Sciences & Technologies

Mathematics & Computer Science

Social & Behavioral Sciences

The Arts

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