Geological/Geophysical Engineering.
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
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Geological/Geophysical Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 34.3%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Geological/Geophysical Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $68771 and average student debt of $23579, the financial outlook for Geological/Geophysical Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Geological/Geophysical Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $68771, and with an average debt of $23579, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.34—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 315 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Geological/Geophysical Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Geological/Geophysical Engineering (CIP 14.3901) is a high-stakes engineering discipline that focuses on designing structures on, in, or with the Earth. While a geologist studies the Earth to understand its history, the geological engineer applies that knowledge to ensure that skyscrapers don't sink, tunnels don't collapse, and hazardous waste doesn't contaminate groundwater. It is a field for "Earth detectives" who use advanced physics and chemistry to master the unpredictable nature of rock, soil, and water.
This field is ideal for "adventure-driven scientists"—individuals who want to use high-tech sensors and mathematical modeling to solve the massive challenges of infrastructure, energy, and environmental protection.
What Is a Geological/Geophysical Engineering Degree?
A degree in this field is a rigorous STEM path that blends civil engineering, geophysics, and environmental science. You will study how to "see" through the Earth using seismic waves, how to calculate the strength of ancient rock formations, and how to manage the risks of natural disasters like landslides and earthquakes. It is a highly specialized major that prepares you to work at the intersection of natural resources and human infrastructure.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Site Characterization Experts" who determine if the ground can support massive dams or bridges
- Develop experts in Applied Geophysics—using gravity, magnetism, and electricity to find minerals or water
- Prepare professionals for Geotechnical Design, focusing on underground tunnels and foundations
- Study Natural Hazard Mitigation, creating systems to protect cities from volcanic eruptions and tsunamis
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that the Earth is a complex, living material; unlike steel or concrete, you cannot control its properties, so you must learn to engineer around its flaws.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Seismic Analysis—using shockwaves to map the interior of the Earth in 3D
- Use "Geospatial Modeling" (GIS) to track shifts in terrain and water tables over time
- Design Slope Stability Systems to prevent mountainsides from sliding onto highways
- Perform Hydrogeological Testing to track the movement of chemicals through underground aquifers
- Utilize Remote Sensing and satellite data to monitor the health of the Earth's crust
- Understand Rock and Soil Mechanics—calculating the exact pressure at which the ground will fail
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a dense blend of classical mechanics and Earth sciences:
- Structural Geology: The study of how rocks fold, fault, and break under pressure.
- Geophysics: Learning to use magnetic and electrical sensors to explore the subsurface.
- Groundwater Engineering: Designing systems to provide clean water or clean up toxic spills.
- Tunnelling and Underground Space: The engineering of subways, mines, and deep-storage facilities.
- Engineering Seismology: Designing buildings and infrastructure that can survive major earthquakes.
- Mineral Exploration: The science of finding the critical metals needed for modern technology.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as professional engineers and consultants in the energy, construction, and environmental sectors.
Common job roles include:
- Geological Engineer: Ensuring that large-scale construction projects are safe from geological failure.
- Exploration Geophysicist: Using technology to find oil, gas, minerals, or geothermal energy.
- Geotechnical Consultant: Advising cities on how to build infrastructure on "bad" or unstable soil.
- Hydrogeologist: Managing the world's most precious resource—underground drinking water.
- Environmental Engineer: Designing systems to contain and clean up industrial pollution in the soil.
- Disaster Risk Manager: Working for governments to plan for and prevent natural disasters.
Where Can You Work?
Geological and geophysical engineers are needed wherever the "built world" meets the "natural world":
- Civil Engineering Firms: Companies like AECOM, Jacobs, or Bechtel.
- Energy and Mining Companies: Finding resources for firms like Rio Tinto, Chevron, or Tesla.
- Environmental Agencies: Working for the EPA, USGS, or state geological surveys.
- Renewable Energy: Designing the foundations for offshore wind farms and geothermal plants.
- Disaster Response Units: Working with FEMA or international NGOs on hazard prevention.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because this field is highly technical and essential for both safety and resource extraction, salaries are consistently above average for engineering.
- Geological Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $95,000–$125,000.
- Exploration Geophysicists: Salaries typically range from $105,000 to $160,000.
- Senior Geotechnical Managers: Median annual salary of around $120,000–$175,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $74,000 and $88,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the uncertainty. You must be a master of Physics and Calculus, but you also need to develop a "geological intuition." Unlike a mechanical engineer who knows exactly how strong a piece of steel is, you must work with materials that have been crushed and folded for millions of years. It requires a rugged and analytical mindset—you must be comfortable spending weeks in the field, often in remote areas, collecting data that you then analyze with complex computer models.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love the outdoors and are fascinated by the power of volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountains
- Enjoy "detective work"—using indirect clues (like vibrations) to see what's underground
- Want a career that balances high-level computer modeling with real-world field exploration
- Are passionate about protecting the environment and managing natural resources sustainably
- Enjoy high-stakes problem solving where your decisions affect public safety
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Physics, Chemistry, and Math (Calculus) available
- Learn basic GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or mapping tools like Google Earth
- Join an outdoor or environment-focused club; get used to being in the field
- Practice Data Analysis; being able to find patterns in numbers is a core skill
- Read about Plate Tectonics and Seismology to understand the massive forces that shape our world
The ability to apply rigorous engineering principles to the Earth's most complex and powerful natural systems is the hallmark of a successful geological or geophysical engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor