Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.: The DTI for this program is 61.3%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $38449) to the average debt ($23583) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 61.3%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($38449) against the typical student debt ($23583), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $38449, and with an average student debt of $23583, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.61—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 7691 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Geological and Earth Sciences / Geosciences, Other (CIP 40.0699) is a broad physical science field dedicated to understanding the structure, history, processes, and resources of the Earth and other planetary bodies. This classification includes flexible or interdisciplinary programs that do not fit neatly into a single traditional geoscience specialization, allowing institutions to emphasize emerging areas such as environmental geoscience, applied geology, geospatial analysis, planetary geology, or earth systems science.
For a degree search site, Geological and Earth Sciences represents both scientific depth and practical relevance. Geoscientists study the forces that shape landscapes, control natural resources, drive natural hazards, and influence climate systems. From energy and water resources to earthquakes, volcanoes, and environmental sustainability, earth science plays a central role in addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges. This degree appeals to students who want to combine fieldwork, data analysis, and physical science to understand Earth as a dynamic, interconnected system.
What Is a Geological and Earth Sciences Degree?
A Geological and Earth Sciences / Geosciences degree is a quantitative, observation-driven program that studies Earth’s materials, structures, and processes over deep time. Programs under the “Other” designation often support customized or interdisciplinary tracks such as:
- Environmental and applied geoscience
- Earth systems science
- Geospatial and remote sensing applications
- Planetary geology
- Resource and energy-focused geology
Rather than focusing solely on rocks, this degree emphasizes:
- Physical and chemical processes shaping Earth
- Field observation and sampling
- Laboratory analysis of Earth materials
- Data-driven modeling of geologic systems
- Understanding interactions among land, water, air, and life
Universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for geoscience and environmental careers
- Train scientists and analysts for industry and government
- Support interdisciplinary Earth and planetary research
- Provide strong preparation for graduate study
This degree is especially relevant for students interested in sustainability, resources, and natural hazards.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how Earth formed, how it changes over time, and how geologic processes affect human societies. You’ll study tectonics, erosion, sedimentation, geochemistry, and geophysics, combining classroom theory with hands-on field and lab experience.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Fieldwork and observation—mapping, sampling, and site analysis
- Geologic interpretation—understanding rock layers and structures
- Data analysis and visualization—interpreting spatial and temporal data
- Laboratory techniques—analyzing minerals, rocks, and sediments
- Quantitative problem-solving—applying math and physics to Earth systems
- Geospatial and mapping skills—GIS and remote sensing
- Scientific communication—reporting findings clearly
- Systems thinking—connecting Earth processes across scales
These skills are valuable across environmental, resource, and research careers.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by program focus, but commonly includes:
- Physical and Historical Geology: Earth materials and geologic time
- Mineralogy and Petrology: minerals and rock formation
- Structural Geology and Tectonics: deformation of Earth’s crust
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy: deposition and layering of rocks
- Geochemistry: chemical processes in Earth systems
- Geophysics: physical properties of the Earth
- Hydrology and Groundwater: water movement and resources
- Environmental and Applied Geology: human–Earth interactions
- Remote Sensing and GIS: spatial analysis and mapping
Many programs include field camps, lab research, or capstone projects.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Geological and Earth Sciences degree prepares students for scientific, technical, and applied roles. Career outcomes depend on specialization and education level.
Common career paths include:
- Geologist or Geoscientist: resource, environmental, or hazard analysis
- Environmental or Earth Science Consultant: site assessment and remediation
- Hydrogeologist or Water Resource Analyst: groundwater management
- Geospatial or GIS Analyst: mapping and spatial data roles
- Energy, Mining, or Resource Analyst: exploration and evaluation
- Research Assistant or Scientist: academic or applied research
- Government or Regulatory Scientist: environmental oversight
- Graduate or Professional School Path: geology, geophysics, or environmental science
Many roles require field experience and may involve travel or outdoor work.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in sectors tied to Earth systems and resources:
- Environmental and geotechnical consulting firms
- Energy, mining, and resource industries
- Government agencies and geological surveys
- Water resource and environmental organizations
- Research institutions and universities
- Engineering and infrastructure companies
- Geospatial and mapping organizations
Geoscientists often collaborate with engineers, ecologists, and policy experts.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, industry, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level geoscience or environmental roles: often $50,000–$70,000
- Experienced geologists or analysts: commonly $70,000–$100,000
- Senior scientists or specialized experts: can exceed $110,000+
Advanced degrees and professional licensure increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Geological and Earth Sciences is considered academically and physically demanding. Students must master scientific theory while conducting fieldwork in varied environments. Coursework involves data analysis, spatial reasoning, and understanding long-term processes over geologic time.
The challenge lies in integrating field observations with quantitative analysis.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy outdoor work and hands-on science
- Are interested in Earth processes and natural resources
- Like data analysis and spatial thinking
- Want a science career with environmental impact
- Are considering graduate study or applied geoscience careers
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a geoscience program:
- Take earth science, chemistry, physics, and math courses
- Develop strong observation and analytical skills
- Learn basic mapping or GIS concepts if available
- Participate in outdoor science activities or clubs
- Build curiosity about landscapes, rocks, and natural systems
Geological and Earth Sciences / Geosciences, Other (CIP 40.0699) is a degree for students who want to understand the planet from the ground up. It combines fieldwork, laboratory science, and data analysis to prepare graduates to address critical issues related to resources, hazards, and environmental sustainability—making it a powerful foundation for science-driven careers that directly shape our world.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor