Best institutions to study Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Any instructional program in geological and related sciences not listed above.
87 U.S. institutions graduated 946 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 40.0699, a specialization of Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (CIP 40.06), and leads most directly to the Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation (BLS SOC 19-2042).
About Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs
Any instructional program in geological and related sciences not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program focuses on the study of the Earth's structure, composition, and processes. It is designed for students interested in understanding geological phenomena and their implications for the environment and society. This program encompasses various disciplines, including geodetics and geodesy, providing a comprehensive foundation for future geoscientists. Students in this program will engage in both theoretical and practical aspects of geology, preparing them for diverse career paths in the physical sciences. With a blend of classroom instruction and fieldwork, this program is ideal for those passionate about exploring the Earth’s systems and contributing to environmental solutions.
Core coursework in this program emphasizes essential skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics. Students will gain knowledge in geography, chemistry, and physics, alongside hands-on experience in geological data analysis and field studies. This combination equips graduates with the tools needed to investigate and interpret complex geological data.
Credentials awarded
What Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree662 graduates / yr · 57 institutions70%
- Master's degree147 graduates / yr · 28 institutions16%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate66 graduates / yr · 10 institutions7.0%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship38 graduates / yr · 11 institutions4.0%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year23 graduates / yr · 4 institutions2.4%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years10 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.1%
Graduates over time
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 608 |
| 2013 | 629 |
| 2014 | 763 |
| 2015 | 788 |
| 2016 | 771 |
| 2017 | 797 |
| 2018 | 880 |
| 2019 | 848 |
| 2020 | 869 |
| 2021 | 750 |
| 2022 | 843 |
| 2023 | 851 |
| 2024 | 845 |
| 2025 | 946 |
Top 50 institutions for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, 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 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 133 | 43% | $34,565 | $45,727 |
| 2 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 53 | 63% | — | — |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 40 | 86% | — | $53,908 |
| 4 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CAPublicBachelor's | 30 | 86% | — | $48,489 |
| 5 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicBachelor's | 27 | 85% | — | $38,652 |
| 6 | Eastern Washington University Cheney, WAPublicBachelor's | 27 | 43% | — | — |
| 7 | Old Dominion University Norfolk, VAPublicBachelor's | 26 | 46% | — | — |
| 8 | Georgia State University Atlanta, GAPublicMaster's | 24 | 53% | — | $39,375 |
| 9 | University at Buffalo Buffalo, NYPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 23 | 75% | — | $39,696 |
| 10 | Lehigh University Bethlehem, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 23 | 88% | $26,912 | — |
| 11 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicBachelor's | 23 | 85% | — | $29,724 |
| 12 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 22 | 58% | — | $34,481 |
| 13 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Atlanta, GAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 20 | 94% | — | — |
| 14 | Stanford University Stanford, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralBachelor'sMaster's | 20 | 92% | $12,032 | — |
| 15 | Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, CTPublicBachelor's | 19 | 58% | — | $43,915 |
| 16 | Oregon State University Corvallis, ORPublicMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 19 | 70% | — | $39,450 |
| 17 | Michigan Technological University Houghton, MIPublicPost-degree cert. | 17 | 68% | — | — |
| 18 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 56% | — | — |
| 19 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RIPublicBachelor's | 16 | 73% | — | — |
| 20 | College of Charleston Charleston, SCPublicBachelor's | 16 | 66% | — | $49,786 |
| 21 | Colorado School of Mines Golden, COPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 15 | 82% | — | — |
| 22 | Salisbury University Salisbury, MDPublicBachelor's | 15 | 68% | — | — |
| 23 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MOPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 14 | 64% | — | $47,352 |
| 24 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WYPublicBachelor's | 13 | 59% | — | $45,758 |
| 25 | California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CAPublicBachelor's | 12 | 70% | — | $35,509 |
| 26 | Columbus State University Columbus, GAPublicBachelor's | 12 | 42% | — | — |
| 27 | Union College Schenectady, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 80% | $25,885 | — |
| 28 | Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FLPublicBachelor's | 11 | 57% | — | — |
| 29 | Dartmouth College Hanover, NHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 96% | $14,689 | — |
| 30 | Cornell University Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 95% | $17,613 | — |
| 31 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NYPublicPost-degree cert. | 10 | 76% | — | — |
| 32 | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, ILPublicBachelor's | 9 | 49% | — | — |
| 33 | The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TXPublicPost-degree cert.Master'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 53% | — | $42,779 |
| 34 | University of Maine at Farmington Farmington, MEPublicBachelor's | 8 | 52% | — | — |
| 35 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 97% | $16,260 | — |
| 36 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicDoctoral | 8 | 68% | — | — |
| 37 | University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown Johnstown, PAPublicBachelor's | 7 | 56% | — | $38,652 |
| 38 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicMaster's | 7 | 65% | — | $49,446 |
| 39 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsBachelor's | 7 | 34% | — | $53,908 |
| 40 | California State University - Chico Chico, CAPublicMaster's | 6 | 63% | — | — |
| 41 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 6 | 62% | — | — |
| 42 | University of New Hampshire - Main Campus Durham, NHPublicPost-degree cert. | 6 | 76% | — | — |
| 43 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 6 | 64% | — | — |
| 44 | Denison University Granville, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 79% | $23,864 | — |
| 45 | Whitman College Walla Walla, WAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 81% | $28,508 | — |
| 46 | Eckerd College Saint Petersburg, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 66% | $31,022 | — |
| 47 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 5 | 84% | $26,589 | — |
| 48 | Illinois State University Normal, ILPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 65% | — | — |
| 49 | Montana Technological University Butte, MTPublicMaster's | 5 | 58% | — | — |
| 50 | University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 5 | 51% | — | $41,963 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences field (CIP 40.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 38 states
Where Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates come from. Each state links to all Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2042, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program can pursue careers as geoscientists, natural sciences managers, or educators in atmospheric and earth sciences. 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 40.0699
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 |
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1051 | $103,170 | +2.6% About as fast as average | ~1,000 | Doctoral or professional 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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences 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
Other Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (CIP 40.06).
- Geology/CIP 40.0601
Earth Science 5,615 graduates / yr433 institutions - OceanographyCIP 40.0607534 graduates / yr35 institutions
- Hydrology and Water Resources ScienceCIP 40.0605206 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Geophysics and SeismologyCIP 40.0603169 graduates / yr32 institutions
- GeochemistryCIP 40.0602partial data24 graduates / yr8 institutions
- PaleontologyCIP 40.0604partial data21 graduates / yr5 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Geochemistry and Petrology40.0606
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, or a Doctor's degree.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, mathematics, and scientific analysis.
What careers can I pursue?+
You can work as a geoscientist, natural sciences manager, or a postsecondary teacher in Earth sciences.
What is the job outlook for geoscientists?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.2% and around 2,000 openings annually.
What is the CIP code for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences?+
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences is CIP 40.0699 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (CIP 40.06). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in geological and related sciences not listed above.
How many institutions offer Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs?+
87 U.S. institutions reported Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 38 states, awarding 946 credentials in the year. That is 12.6% of all Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.
How much do Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation, which Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences most directly leads to, pays a median of $101,920 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences field report median earnings of $41,963 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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