Geophysics and Seismology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Geophysics and Seismology is an advanced scientific discipline dedicated to understanding the physical properties and dynamic behavior of planetary solids, with a primary focus on Earth and other celestial bodies. This program equips students with the analytical and technical skills needed to explore Earth’s internal structure, surface processes, and geodynamic systems through rigorous quantitative methods and field-based inquiry.
- Seismology: The study of seismic waves generated by earthquakes and explosions to infer subsurface structures and material properties.
- Gravimetric Analysis: Measurement and interpretation of variations in Earth’s gravitational field to identify density contrasts and geological features.
- Earthquake Forecasting: Application of statistical and physical models to assess seismic hazard and predict potential earthquake occurrences.
- Magnetometry: Examination of Earth’s magnetic field and magnetic anomalies to map subsurface geology and tectonic activity.
- Electrical Properties of Solids: Investigation of how geological materials conduct electricity, used in subsurface exploration and resource detection.
- Plate Tectonics: Study of the large-scale movement and interaction of Earth’s lithospheric plates and their role in shaping surface features.
- Active Deformation: Analysis of ongoing crustal movements and strain accumulation, particularly in tectonically active regions.
- Thermodynamics in Geosciences: Application of heat transfer and energy balance principles to understand processes within Earth’s interior.
- Remote Sensing: Use of satellite and airborne instruments to collect geospatial data for mapping and monitoring Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
- Geodesy: Precision measurement of Earth’s shape, orientation, and gravity field to support navigation, climate studies, and tectonic monitoring.
- Laboratory Simulations of Geological Processes: Experimental replication of high-pressure and high-temperature conditions to model planetary formation and subsurface dynamics.
Geophysics and Seismology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Geophysics and Seismology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Geophysics and Seismology 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 134,860 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 |
Geophysics and Seismology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $72,340 in Louisiana to $164,650 in District of Columbia—a 128% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 134,860 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 Geophysics and Seismology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 33 institutions offering Geophysics and Seismology 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 Geophysics and Seismology is found at University of Houston (UH) (26 graduates), University of Chicago (UChicago) (17 graduates), Colorado School of Mines (16 graduates), Stanford University (16 graduates), and University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (13 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 197 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
26 | Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
17 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| Colorado School of Mines |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Golden, Colorado | Public | mines.edu |
| Stanford University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Pasadena, California | Private | caltech.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Post-Master's
|
6 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
| New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Socorro, New Mexico | Public | nmt.edu |
| Brown University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 | El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of California (UCR) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Riverside, California | Public | ucr.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Master's
|
3 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
|
2 | Kingsville, Texas | Public | tamuk.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Master's
|
1 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| SUNY College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Geneseo, New York | Public | geneseo.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Geophysics and Seismology programs
How much can I earn with a Geophysics and Seismology degree?
Salaries for Geophysics and Seismology 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 District of Columbia average $164,650 compared to $72,340 in Louisiana. Approximately 134,860 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 Geophysics and Seismology programs?
Currently 33 accredited institutions offer Geophysics and Seismology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Houston (UH) (26 graduates), University of Chicago (UChicago) (17 graduates), and Colorado School of Mines (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 Geophysics and Seismology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 202 in 2010 to a peak of 251 in 2020, before declining slightly to 197 in 2023-24. This represents a 2% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Geophysics and Seismology 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 134,860 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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