Earth Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Earth Sciences is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the dynamic processes that shape our planet, from its deep interior to its surface and atmosphere. This program equips students with a comprehensive foundation in the physical, chemical, and biological systems that govern Earth’s evolution over time.
- Geology: The study of Earth’s solid materials, including rocks, minerals, and the structural features formed by tectonic forces, volcanic activity, and erosion.
- Geomorphology: The examination of landforms and the processes—such as weathering, erosion, and sedimentation—that create and modify Earth’s surface features.
- Paleontology: The scientific investigation of ancient life through fossil records, offering insights into evolutionary history and past environmental conditions.
- Stratigraphy: The analysis of layered rock formations to interpret geological time, depositional environments, and the sequence of Earth’s history.
- Hydrogeology: The study of groundwater systems, including flow dynamics, aquifer characteristics, and the role of water in shaping geological landscapes.
- Environmental Geoscience: An applied focus on how geological processes interact with human activities, addressing issues like resource management, pollution, and natural hazards.
- Geophysics: The use of physical principles and instrumentation to explore Earth’s interior, including seismic, gravitational, and magnetic methods.
Earth Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Earth Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Earth Sciences 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 |
Salary Comparison
Earth Sciences 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 Earth Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 87 institutions offering Earth Sciences 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 Sciences is found at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (91 graduates), Florida Atlantic University (FAU) (48 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (46 graduates), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (35 graduates), and Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Main Campus (34 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 863 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Bachelor's
|
91 | N/A | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
48 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
46 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
35 |
SAT: 1270-1450 ACT: 29-33 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
34 |
SAT: 1330-1530 ACT: 28-34 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gatech.edu |
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
31 | N/A | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
27 | N/A | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Stanford University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
26 |
SAT: 1510-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Master's
|
25 |
SAT: 1040-1280 ACT: 19-26 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
|
21 |
SAT: 1480-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | SAT: 1110-1320 | Willimantic, Connecticut | Public | easternct.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
19 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Lehigh University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 |
SAT: 1350-1490 ACT: 31-33 |
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Private | lehigh.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 26-31 |
Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 1110-1290 ACT: 22-27 |
Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
16 |
SAT: 1000-1200 ACT: 19-26 |
San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
15 |
SAT: 1150-1378 ACT: 25-31 |
Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| Columbus State University |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 860-1100 ACT: 17-24 |
Columbus, Georgia | Public | columbusstate.edu |
| Salisbury University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1180-1310 ACT: 26-28 |
Salisbury, Maryland | Public | salisbury.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
14 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| California State University (CSUF) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | N/A | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
13 | N/A | Cheney, Washington | Public | ewu.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
12 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Bachelor's
|
12 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | N/A | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Colorado School of Mines |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1320-1470 ACT: 29-33 |
Golden, Colorado | Public | mines.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| University of Maine (UMF) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | SAT: 915-1210 | Farmington, Maine | Public | umf.maine.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
9 |
SAT: 1040-1255 ACT: 19-32 |
Johnstown, Pennsylvania | Public | upj.pitt.edu |
| San Francisco State University (SFSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Public | sfsu.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 980-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Other Award
|
8 |
SAT: 820-1010 ACT: 16-20 |
Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 18-24 |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Hobart William Smith Colleges (HWS) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1220-1360 ACT: 26-32 |
Geneva, New York | Private | hws.edu |
| Duke University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1510-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| College of Charleston (CofC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1130-1300 ACT: 24-29 |
Charleston, South Carolina | Public | cofc.edu |
| Clemson University |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1230-1390 ACT: 28-32 |
Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 20-25 |
Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fgcu.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1080-1250 ACT: 25-30 |
Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1060-1250 ACT: 18-25 |
Butte, Montana | Public | mtech.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 1320-1490 ACT: 28-33 |
Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Lamar University (LU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 910-1130 ACT: 18-24 |
Beaumont, Texas | Public | lamar.edu |
| George Mason University |
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1140-1340 ACT: 25-30 |
Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Whitman College |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 27-33 |
Walla Walla, Washington | Private | whitman.edu |
| Lawrence University |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1200-1430 ACT: 27-32 |
Appleton, Wisconsin | Private | lawrence.edu |
| Sonoma State University (SSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | N/A | Rohnert Park, California | Public | sonoma.edu |
| Towson University (TU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1050-1270 ACT: 19-28 |
Towson, Maryland | Public | towson.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 1110-1410 ACT: 21-29 |
Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Other Award
|
4 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| California State University (CSUDH) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Carson, California | Public | csudh.edu |
| California State University (CSUEB) |
Master's
|
3 | N/A | Hayward, California | Public | csueastbay.edu |
| Eckerd College |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1150-1336 ACT: 24-29 |
Saint Petersburg, Florida | Private | eckerd.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 |
SAT: 1010-1230 ACT: 22-27 |
Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 |
SAT: 1120-1320 ACT: 26-31 |
Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| Utica University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | SAT: 1030-1210 | Utica, New York | Private | utica.edu |
| Drexel University |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1230-1430 ACT: 27-33 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | harrisburgu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 |
SAT: 1100-1340 ACT: 18-30 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1350-1500 ACT: 31-34 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of Louisiana (UL Lafayette) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1120-1255 ACT: 23-27 |
Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | louisiana.edu |
| Marietta College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 990-1295 ACT: 18-24 |
Marietta, Ohio | Private | marietta.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1030-1260 ACT: 22-31 |
Bradford, Pennsylvania | Public | upb.pitt.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | N/A | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Master's
|
1 | N/A | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| California Lutheran University (CLU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1134-1320 ACT: 23-29 |
Thousand Oaks, California | Private | callutheran.edu |
| California State University |
Master's
|
1 | N/A | Chico, California | Public | csuchico.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 23-28 |
Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Dekalb, Illinois | Public | niu.edu |
| Emporia State University (ESU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | ACT: 18-24 | Emporia, Kansas | Public | emporia.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Master's
|
1 | N/A | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
| Union College |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 30-33 |
Schenectady, New York | Private | union.edu |
| Denison University (DU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1300-1470 ACT: 29-32 |
Granville, Ohio | Private | denison.edu |
| Wittenberg University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1070-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Springfield, Ohio | Private | wittenberg.edu |
| Allegheny College |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1140-1350 ACT: 25-31 |
Meadville, Pennsylvania | Private | allegheny.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 |
SAT: 1110-1340 ACT: 18-29 |
Media, Pennsylvania | Public | brandywine.psu.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1180-1398 ACT: 22-29 |
Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Earth Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Earth Sciences degree?
Salaries for Earth Sciences 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 Earth Sciences programs?
Currently 87 accredited institutions offer Earth Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (91 graduates), Florida Atlantic University (FAU) (48 graduates), and Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (46 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 Earth Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 519 in 2010 to a peak of 890 in 2020, before declining slightly to 863 in 2023-24. This represents a 66% 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 Earth Sciences 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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