Best colleges for Geobiology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of how living things interact with geological systems.
1 U.S. institutions graduated 2 Geobiology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 30.4301, a specialization of Geobiology (CIP 30.43), and leads most directly to the Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation (BLS SOC 19-2042).
About Geobiology programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of how living things interact with geological systems. Includes instruction in evolution of Earth systems, geochemistry, geology, geomicrobiology, marine chemistry, paleobiology, paleoecology, paleontology, and petrology.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Geobiology program is an interdisciplinary field that examines the interactions between living organisms and geological systems. This program encompasses various scientific disciplines, including geology, geochemistry, and paleontology, making it ideal for students interested in understanding Earth's systems and their evolution. It is suited for individuals who are passionate about both biology and geology and wish to explore their connections.
Students in the Geobiology program will gain essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific analysis. Coursework typically covers topics such as geochemistry, geomicrobiology, and paleobiology, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of Earth's processes and the life forms that inhabit it.
Credentials awarded
What Geobiology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship2 graduates / yr · 1 institution100%
Graduates over time
Geobiology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 |
CIP 30.4301 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 1 institutions for Geobiology, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Socorro, NMPublicDoctoral | 2 | 57% | — |
Offered in 1 states
Where Geobiology graduates come from. Each state links to all Geobiology programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 1 | 2 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology2 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2042, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Geobiology program primarily pursue careers as geoscientists, with additional opportunities in natural sciences management and education. The job outlook for geoscientists is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 3.2% and approximately 2,000 annual openings. The median wage for this field is $99,240, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 30.4301
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographersprimary SOC 19-2042 | $101,920 | +3.2% About as fast as average | ~2,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Natural Sciences Managers SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1042 | $84,620 | +7.3% Faster than average | ~5,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1053 | $94,980 | +2.9% About as fast as average | ~700 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Life Scientists, All Other SOC 19-1099 | $93,750 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~400 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- 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
- 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.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Geobiology 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
- 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.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What is Geobiology?+
Geobiology is the study of how living organisms interact with geological systems.
What degrees does this program offer?+
The program awards a Doctor's degree in research/scholarship.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Geobiology?+
Graduates can work as geoscientists, natural sciences managers, or educators in biological and environmental sciences.
What is the job outlook for geoscientists?+
The job outlook for geoscientists is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.2%.
What is the CIP code for Geobiology?+
Geobiology is CIP 30.4301 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Geobiology (CIP 30.43). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of how living things interact with geological systems. Includes instruction in evolution of Earth systems, geochemistry, geology, geomicrobiology, marine chemistry, paleobiology, paleoecology, paleontology, and petrology.
How many institutions offer Geobiology programs?+
1 U.S. institutions reported Geobiology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 1 states, awarding 2 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Geobiology graduates.
How much do Geobiology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation, which Geobiology most directly leads to, pays a median of $101,920 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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. This specialization accounts for nearly all Geobiology graduates, so its figures match the Geobiology program page.
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