Best institutions to study Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply geotechnical engineering methods, which deal with the analysis, design and construction of earth and earth supported structures, to the application of environmental problems, such as waste containment, waste disposal, construction of land fills, soil permeation, soil analysis, and soil improvement.
7 U.S. institutions graduated 19 Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 14.0802, a specialization of Civil Engineering (CIP 14.08), and leads most directly to the Civil Engineers occupation (BLS SOC 17-2051).
About Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply geotechnical engineering methods, which deal with the analysis, design and construction of earth and earth supported structures, to the application of environmental problems, such as waste containment, waste disposal, construction of land fills, soil permeation, soil analysis, and soil improvement. Includes instruction in soil mechanics, soil dynamics, soil behavior, waste management and containment systems, geosynthetics, geochemistry, earth structures, geoenvironmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, and foundation engineering
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering program, a specialization within Civil Engineering, prepares students to apply geotechnical engineering methods to solve environmental challenges. This includes the design and construction of earth-supported structures and addressing issues such as waste containment and soil improvement. Ideal for those interested in both engineering and environmental sustainability, this program equips graduates with essential skills for real-world applications.
Learn more about Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering →
Students will gain knowledge in soil mechanics, geochemistry, waste management, and foundation engineering. Coursework emphasizes critical skills such as mathematics, science, and active learning, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both geotechnical and geoenvironmental principles.
Credentials awarded
What Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree11 graduates / yr · 2 institutions58%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate5 graduates / yr · 3 institutions26%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions16%
Graduates over time
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 19 |
Top 7 institutions for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 96% | $15,315 | — |
| 2 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 82% | — | $68,291 |
| 3 | University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 30% | — | $72,140 |
| 4 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MOPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 64% | — | $70,664 |
| 5 | University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CAPublicMaster's | 1 | 86% | — | $65,478 |
| 6 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 58% | — | — |
| 7 | New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 73% | — | $68,288 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Civil Engineering field (CIP 14.08) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 6 states
Where Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering graduates come from. Each state links to all Civil Engineering programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 1 | 10 | Columbia University in the City of New York10 / yr |
| Missouri | 2 | 3 | Missouri University of Science and Technology2 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 2 | Auburn University2 / yr |
| Alaska | 1 | 2 | University of Alaska Anchorage2 / yr |
| California | 1 | 1 | University of California - San Diego1 / yr |
| New Jersey | 1 | 1 | New Jersey Institute of Technology1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2051, Civil Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Civil Engineers, Environmental Engineers, and more. The job outlook in this field is promising, with a growth rate of 5% and approximately 23,600 annual openings. The median wage for civil engineers is around $99,590, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 14.0802
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Civil Engineersprimary SOC 17-2051 | $100,840 | +5.0% Faster than average | ~23,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Architectural and Engineering Managers SOC 11-9041 | $171,270 | +3.8% About as fast as average | ~14,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Engineers, All Other SOC 17-2199 | $122,930 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~9,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1032 | $109,270 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~4,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Environmental Engineers SOC 17-2081 | $107,110 | +3.9% About as fast as average | ~3,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Petroleum Engineers SOC 17-2171 | $144,910 | +1.3% Little or no change | ~1,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers SOC 17-2151 | $106,220 | +0.7% Little or no change | ~400 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
- Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
- Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
- Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
- Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
- Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
Tools and technology used
Other Civil Engineering specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Civil Engineering (CIP 14.08).
- Civil EngineeringCIP 14.080119,047 graduates / yr307 institutions
- Structural EngineeringCIP 14.0803385 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Civil EngineeringCIP 14.0899207 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Transportation and Highway EngineeringCIP 14.0804122 graduates / yr14 institutions
- Water Resources EngineeringCIP 14.080540 graduates / yr11 institutions
Common questions
What degrees are offered in this program?+
The program offers a Master's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, and shorter awards.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and active learning.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work as a Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer, or in related fields.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 5%.
What is the CIP code for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering?+
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering is CIP 14.0802 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Civil Engineering (CIP 14.08). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply geotechnical engineering methods, which deal with the analysis, design and construction of earth and earth supported structures, to the application of environmental problems, such as waste containment, waste disposal, construction of land fills, soil permeation, soil analysis, and soil improvement. Includes instruction in soil mechanics, soil dynamics, soil behavior, waste management and containment systems, geosynthetics, geochemistry, earth structures, geoenvironmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, and foundation engineering
How many institutions offer Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering programs?+
7 U.S. institutions reported Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 6 states, awarding 19 credentials in the year. That is 0.1% of all Civil Engineering graduates.
How much do Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Civil Engineers occupation, which Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering most directly leads to, pays a median of $100,840 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Civil Engineering field report median earnings of $68,291 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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