Earth Systems Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Earth Systems Science is an integrative academic discipline dedicated to understanding the complex, interconnected processes that shape our planet. By examining the dynamic relationships among oceans, atmosphere, land surfaces, and life, this program equips students with the analytical tools to investigate global environmental change and sustainability challenges.
- Biogeochemistry: Explores the chemical, physical, and biological processes that govern the cycling of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and water across Earth’s systems.
- Climate Dynamics: Investigates the mechanisms driving long-term climate patterns and short-term variability, including feedback loops within the Earth system.
- Geographical Information Science (GIS): Applies spatial data analysis and mapping technologies to model and interpret environmental patterns and changes over time.
- Geophysics: Uses physical principles to study Earth’s internal structure, seismic activity, magnetic fields, and geothermal processes.
- Hydrology: Focuses on the movement, distribution, and quality of water across land, atmosphere, and subsurface environments.
- Landscape Ecology: Analyzes how spatial patterns of ecosystems influence ecological processes and biodiversity across different scales.
- Meteorology: Examines atmospheric phenomena, weather systems, and the physical laws governing air movement and precipitation.
- Satellite Remote Sensing Analysis: Employs data from orbiting sensors to monitor environmental conditions, land use changes, and natural hazards in near real time.
Earth Systems Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Earth Systems Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Earth Systems Science degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers. 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 1,214,500 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1051 | $101,390 | $53,310 - $199,260 | 11,480 | N/A |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 19-2042 | $99,240 | $58,790 - $178,880 | 22,510 | $47.71 |
| Geographers 19-3092 | $97,200 | $62,390 - $133,680 | 1,380 | $46.73 |
| Hydrologists 19-2043 | $92,060 | $60,010 - $139,420 | 5,720 | $44.26 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
Earth Systems Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,915 in South Dakota to $132,434 in California—a 74% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,214,500 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 Earth Systems Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Earth Systems Science 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 Earth Systems Science is found at Middlebury College (13 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (10 graduates), Auburn University (AU) (8 graduates), Western Kentucky University (WKU) (8 graduates), and Saint Joseph's University (SJU) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 43 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury College |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Middlebury, Vermont | Private | middlebury.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Master's
|
8 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Saint Joseph's University (SJU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | sju.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Earth Systems Science programs
How much can I earn with a Earth Systems Science degree?
Salaries for Earth Systems Science graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $101,390. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $132,434 compared to $75,915 in South Dakota. Approximately 1,214,500 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 Earth Systems Science programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Earth Systems Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Middlebury College (13 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (10 graduates), and Auburn University (AU) (8 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.
What career paths are available with a Earth Systems Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,214,500 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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