Geological and Geophysical Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Geological and Geophysical Engineering integrates advanced mathematical modeling with in-depth geological analysis to solve complex engineering challenges in natural and built environments. This program equips students with the analytical tools to assess subsurface conditions, predict geological behavior, and design resilient infrastructure and resource extraction systems.
- Geological Site Assessment: Evaluating subsurface soil and rock properties to determine suitability and stability for construction projects, including foundations, tunnels, and dams.
- Geomechanics and Stress Analysis: Studying the forces exerted by earth materials on engineered structures to ensure long-term safety and performance under dynamic loads.
- Resource Exploration and Evaluation: Applying geophysical methods to identify and assess potential sites for mineral, hydrocarbon, and geothermal resource recovery.
- Applied Geophysical Research: Conducting field and laboratory investigations into natural geological processes such as seismic activity, landslides, and groundwater flow.
- Modeling and Simulation: Utilizing computational tools to predict geological responses to engineering interventions and environmental changes.
Geological and Geophysical Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Geological and Geophysical Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Geological and Geophysical Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 407,770 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 |
| 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 |
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers 17-2151 | $101,020 | $62,500 - $163,740 | 6,770 | $48.57 |
Salary Comparison
Geological and Geophysical Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $103,617 in Arkansas to $150,575 in California—a 45% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and New Mexico. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 407,770 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 Geological and Geophysical Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Geological and Geophysical 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 Geological and Geophysical Engineering is found at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) (132 graduates), Colorado School of Mines (88 graduates), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (16 graduates), University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) (12 graduates), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 313 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 | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
132 |
SAT: 1150-1378 ACT: 25-31 |
Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| Colorado School of Mines |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
88 |
SAT: 1320-1470 ACT: 29-33 |
Golden, Colorado | Public | mines.edu |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 23-29 |
Rapid City, South Dakota | Public | sdsmt.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 1020-1210 ACT: 21-29 |
University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1060-1250 ACT: 18-25 |
Butte, Montana | Public | mtech.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 | N/A | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1230-1490 ACT: 27-33 |
Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1400-1540 ACT: 31-34 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2 | N/A | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1180-1398 ACT: 22-29 |
Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Delaware Technical Community College |
Associate's
|
1 | N/A | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 950-1200 ACT: 20-29 |
Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Geological and Geophysical Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Geological and Geophysical Engineering degree?
Salaries for Geological and Geophysical Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineers, All Other earn around $117,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $150,575 compared to $103,617 in Arkansas. Approximately 407,770 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 Geological and Geophysical Engineering programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Geological and Geophysical Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) (132 graduates), Colorado School of Mines (88 graduates), and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (16 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 Geological and Geophysical Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 255 in 2010 to a peak of 419 in 2020, before declining slightly to 313 in 2023-24. This represents a 23% 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 Geological and Geophysical Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 407,770 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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