Best institutions to study Earth Systems Science
Compare 7 U.S. colleges offering Earth Systems Science by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 7 states.
About Earth Systems Science programs
Earth Systems Science is a multidisciplinary program that explores the complex interactions within the Earth's systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding how these systems interact and how human activities impact the environment.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific analysis. Coursework typically covers topics in geography, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, equipping students with the knowledge needed to conduct research and analyze geological data.
Top 7 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
Offered across 7 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2042, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates with a degree in Earth Systems Science can pursue various careers in environmental consulting, research, and education. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an estimated 2,000 annual openings and a median wage of $99,240, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Earth Systems Science
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.38.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.38 (Earth Systems Science) maps to 6 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-2042 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographersprimary |
| 19-2043 | Hydrologists |
| 19-3092 | Geographers |
| 25-1051 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Earth Systems Science programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
Concentrations within Earth Systems Science
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Earth Systems ScienceCIP 30.3801
A program that focuses on the interaction of the Earth's oceanographic, atmospheric, and terrestrial systems
Common questions
What is Earth Systems Science?+
It is the study of interactions within Earth's systems, focusing on material and energy fluxes.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, scientific analysis, and data interpretation.
What careers can I pursue?+
You can work in environmental consulting, research, or education.
What is the job outlook?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 2,000 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Earth Systems Science?+
Earth Systems Science maps to CIP 30.38 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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.
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