Best Geological/Geophysical Engineering institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 18 U.S. colleges offering Geological/Geophysical Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 18 states.
About Geological/Geophysical Engineering programs
Geological/Geophysical Engineering is a specialized field within engineering that integrates geological science with engineering principles. This program focuses on assessing the suitability of sites for various projects, including civil engineering, mining, and environmental initiatives, through geological and geophysical studies. It is ideal for students interested in applying scientific knowledge to solve practical problems in the earth sciences.
Students in this program develop essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics. Coursework typically covers engineering and technology, geological principles, and environmental considerations, preparing graduates to tackle real-world challenges in mining and civil engineering.
Top 4 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $68,694 | 88 | 82% | — | $27,000 |
| 2 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $64,503 | 132 | 64% | — | $20,500 |
| 3 | Michigan Technological University Houghton, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $63,658 | 9 | 68% | — | $22,849 |
| 4 | University of Mississippi University, MS Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,070 | 12 | 72% | — | $23,970 |
Offered across 18 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coloradolimited | 1 | $68,694 | Colorado School of Mines |
| Missourilimited | 1 | $64,503 | Missouri University of Science and Technology |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | $63,658 | Michigan Technological University |
| Mississippilimited | 1 | $59,070 | University of Mississippi |
| Alaskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Californialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2151, Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Geological/Geophysical Engineering can expect a stable job outlook with an annual opening of approximately 400 positions. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $101,020, with a typical education requirement of a Bachelor's degree. The growth rate for this occupation is projected at 0.7%, indicating little or no change in demand.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Geological/Geophysical Engineering 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
- Prepare technical reports for use by mining, engineering, and management personnel.
- Inspect mining areas for unsafe structures, equipment, and working conditions.
- Select or develop mineral location, extraction, and production methods, based on factors such as safety, cost, and deposit characteristics.
- Select locations and plan underground or surface mining operations, specifying processes, labor usage, and equipment that will result in safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction of minerals and ores.
- Prepare schedules, reports, and estimates of the costs involved in developing and operating mines.
- Monitor mine production rates to assess operational effectiveness.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Geological/Geophysical Engineering
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Geological/Geophysical EngineeringCIP 14.3901
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and geological principles to the analysis and evaluation of engineering problems, including the geological evaluation of construction sites, t
Common questions
What is Geological/Geophysical Engineering?+
It is a discipline that combines geological science with engineering principles to support various industries, including civil engineering and mining.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will enhance skills such as critical thinking, mathematics, and technical writing, essential for problem-solving in engineering.
What career opportunities are available?+
Graduates can pursue careers in mining, environmental consulting, and civil engineering, among others.
What is the expected salary for graduates?+
The median wage for professionals in this field is approximately $101,020.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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