Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering integrates the principles of soil and rock mechanics with environmental science to address complex challenges in infrastructure development and sustainable land use. This program equips students with advanced analytical and design capabilities for managing earth-based systems while solving pressing environmental concerns such as pollution control, waste containment, and site remediation.
- Soil mechanics: The study of soil behavior under various loads and conditions, forming the foundation for stable construction and ground improvement strategies.
- Soil dynamics: Examines how soils respond to dynamic forces, including seismic activity, vibrations, and cyclic loading, crucial for earthquake-resistant design.
- Soil behavior: Focuses on the physical and mechanical properties of soils, including strength, compressibility, and shear characteristics, essential for accurate modeling and prediction.
- Waste management and containment systems: Addresses the engineering of secure, long-term solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal, emphasizing environmental protection.
- Geosynthetics: Involves the use of synthetic materials to reinforce soil, improve drainage, and enhance structural performance in civil and environmental projects.
- Geochemistry: Explores the chemical interactions between soils, groundwater, and contaminants, supporting the assessment and mitigation of pollution risks.
- Earth structures: Covers the design and construction of embankments, retaining walls, dams, and other infrastructure built from or supported by soil and rock.
- Geoenvironmental engineering: Applies geotechnical knowledge to environmental protection, focusing on pollution prevention, site characterization, and sustainable remediation.
- Earthquake engineering: Specializes in designing structures and foundations to withstand seismic events, ensuring safety and resilience in tectonically active regions.
- Foundation engineering: Involves the analysis and design of deep and shallow foundations to safely transfer structural loads to the ground.
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Petroleum Engineers and Engineers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 820,100 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Petroleum Engineers 17-2171 | $141,280 | $78,840 - $228,790 | 18,970 | $67.92 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
| Environmental Engineers 17-2081 | $104,170 | $64,950 - $161,910 | 37,950 | $50.08 |
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 17-2151 | $101,020 | $62,500 - $163,740 | 6,770 | $48.57 |
| Civil Engineers 17-2051 | $99,590 | $65,920 - $160,990 | 355,410 | $47.88 |
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $96,582 in Arkansas to $142,313 in California—a 47% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 820,100 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering is found at Columbia University in the City of New York (12 graduates), Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) (3 graduates), University of California (UCSD), San Diego (2 graduates), Missouri State University, Springfield (2 graduates), and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 21 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
12 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Master's
|
2 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
2 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Newark, New Jersey | Public | njit.edu |
| Stevens Institute of Technology |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Hoboken, New Jersey | Private | stevens.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering degree?
Salaries for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Petroleum Engineers earn around $141,280. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $142,313 compared to $96,582 in Arkansas. Approximately 820,100 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Columbia University in the City of New York (12 graduates), Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) (3 graduates), and University of California (UCSD), San Diego (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 12 in 2010 to 21 in 2023-24. This represents a 75% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Petroleum Engineers, and Engineers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 820,100 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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