Best institutions to study Geophysics and Seismology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the physics of solids and its application to the study of the earth and other planets.
32 U.S. institutions graduated 169 Geophysics and Seismology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 40.0603, 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 Geophysics and Seismology programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the physics of solids and its application to the study of the earth and other planets. Includes instruction in gravimetric, seismology, earthquake forecasting, magnetrometry, electrical properties of solid bodies, plate tectonics, active deformation, thermodynamics, remote sensing, geodesy, and laboratory simulations of geological processes.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Geophysics and Seismology program focuses on the scientific study of the physics of solids and their applications to the Earth and other planets. It is designed for students interested in understanding geological processes, including seismic activity and plate tectonics, through both theoretical and practical approaches. This program is ideal for those who are passionate about physical sciences and want to explore the dynamics of our planet.
Students in this program will gain core knowledge in areas such as gravimetric studies, earthquake forecasting, remote sensing, and geodesy. Coursework emphasizes analytical skills, including data interpretation and laboratory simulations of geological processes, equipping graduates with a strong foundation in both science and mathematics.
Credentials awarded
What Geophysics and Seismology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree65 graduates / yr · 17 institutions39%
- Master's degree52 graduates / yr · 17 institutions31%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship47 graduates / yr · 18 institutions28%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions2.4%
- Post-master's certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.6%
Graduates over time
Geophysics and Seismology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 252 |
| 2013 | 320 |
| 2014 | 348 |
| 2015 | 341 |
| 2016 | 364 |
| 2017 | 389 |
| 2018 | 347 |
| 2019 | 335 |
| 2020 | 248 |
| 2021 | 238 |
| 2022 | 234 |
| 2023 | 189 |
| 2024 | 194 |
| 2025 | 169 |
Top 32 institutions for Geophysics and Seismology, 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 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 15 | 84% | — | $44,585 |
| 2 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicBachelor's | 15 | 85% | — | $29,724 |
| 3 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 14 | 65% | — | — |
| 4 | University of Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 13 | 96% | $13,333 | — |
| 5 | Stanford University Stanford, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster'sBachelor's | 10 | 92% | $12,032 | — |
| 6 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 9 | 93% | — | — |
| 7 | Colorado School of Mines Golden, COPublicPost-degree cert.Master'sDoctoral | 9 | 82% | — | — |
| 8 | California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 8 | 94% | $17,608 | — |
| 9 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OKPublicMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 8 | 75% | — | — |
| 10 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicBachelor's | 7 | 89% | — | $42,062 |
| 11 | University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AKPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 6 | 38% | — | — |
| 12 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Atlanta, GAPublicBachelor's | 6 | 94% | — | — |
| 13 | Michigan Technological University Houghton, MIPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 5 | 68% | — | — |
| 14 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 4 | 96% | $11,666 | — |
| 15 | Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 4 | 80% | $24,886 | — |
| 16 | University of California - Berkeley Berkeley, CAPublicBachelor's | 3 | 93% | — | — |
| 17 | University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CAPublicDoctoral | 3 | 86% | — | — |
| 18 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicDoctoral | 3 | 76% | — | $41,351 |
| 19 | Boise State University Boise, IDPublicDoctoral | 3 | 60% | — | $31,701 |
| 20 | University of Nevada - Reno Reno, NVPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 3 | 61% | — | $39,553 |
| 21 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 3 | 84% | $33,246 | — |
| 22 | Texas A&M University - Kingsville Kingsville, TXPublicMaster's | 3 | 42% | — | — |
| 23 | University of California - Riverside Riverside, CAPublicBachelor's | 2 | 76% | — | $22,998 |
| 24 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, COPublicDoctoral | 2 | 74% | — | $46,263 |
| 25 | The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 2 | 50% | — | — |
| 26 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicDoctoral | 2 | 65% | — | $49,446 |
| 27 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WYPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 2 | 59% | — | $45,758 |
| 28 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LAPublicMaster's | 1 | 69% | — | $42,218 |
| 29 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 58% | — | $34,481 |
| 30 | Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OKPublicBachelor's | 1 | 68% | — | — |
| 31 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicBachelor's | 1 | 79% | — | $38,432 |
| 32 | Western Washington University Bellingham, WAPublicBachelor's | 1 | 65% | — | $36,802 |
* 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 17 states
Where Geophysics and Seismology graduates come from. Each state links to all Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6 | 44 | Texas A&M University - College Station15 / yr |
| California | 7 | 38 | Stanford University10 / yr |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus15 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 13 | University of Chicago13 / yr |
| Colorado | 2 | 11 | Colorado School of Mines9 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 2 | 9 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus8 / yr |
| Alaska | 1 | 6 | University of Alaska Fairbanks6 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 6 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus6 / yr |
| Missouri | 2 | 5 | Saint Louis University4 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 5 | Michigan Technological University5 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 4 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology4 / yr |
| Idaho | 1 | 3 | Boise State University3 / yr |
| Nevada | 1 | 3 | University of Nevada - Reno3 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 2 | University of Utah2 / yr |
| Wyoming | 1 | 2 | University of Wyoming2 / yr |
| Louisiana | 1 | 1 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College1 / yr |
| South Carolina | 1 | 1 | University of South Carolina - Columbia1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2042, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Geophysics and Seismology program can pursue careers as geoscientists, natural sciences managers, or educators in atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences. The job outlook for this field 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
Career pathways for CIP 40.0603
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 Geophysics and Seismology 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 - Geological and Earth Sciences/CIP 40.0699
Geosciences 946 graduates / yr87 institutions - OceanographyCIP 40.0607534 graduates / yr35 institutions
- Hydrology and Water Resources ScienceCIP 40.0605206 graduates / yr38 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, Master's, or Doctor's degree, as well as a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, mathematics, and scientific analysis.
What kind of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a geoscientist, natural sciences manager, or a postsecondary teacher in related fields.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth of 3.2% and 2,000 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Geophysics and Seismology?+
Geophysics and Seismology is CIP 40.0603 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: A program that focuses on the scientific study of the physics of solids and its application to the study of the earth and other planets. Includes instruction in gravimetric, seismology, earthquake forecasting, magnetrometry, electrical properties of solid bodies, plate tectonics, active deformation, thermodynamics, remote sensing, geodesy, and laboratory simulations of geological processes.
How many institutions offer Geophysics and Seismology programs?+
32 U.S. institutions reported Geophysics and Seismology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 17 states, awarding 169 credentials in the year. That is 2.2% of all Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.
How much do Geophysics and Seismology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation, which Geophysics and Seismology 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 $41,351 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.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card