HUMANITIES Specialization

Environmental Geosciences

Environmental Geosciences graduates pursue 8 occupations, with top roles paying $167,220/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

About Environmental Geosciences

Environmental Geosciences is a focused area of study within Interdisciplinary Studies. The program is available at 15 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 102 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.


Colleges Offering
15
Graduates / Year
102
Avg Net Price / yr
$20,193

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 102 students who complete Environmental Geosciences programs each year, the majority (87%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 87%
Post-Bacc Cert. 7%
Master's 5%

What Can You Do With an Environmental Geosciences Degree?

Environmental Geosciences connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$167,220
$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally
Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

  • Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
  • Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
  • Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
↗ +2.6% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$103,170
$77K $136K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 1,000 openings/yr 10K employed nationally
Speaking Science Critical Thinking Instructing Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as structural geology, micrometeorology, and atmospheric thermodynamics.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
↗ +3.2% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$101,920
$75K $139K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 2,000 openings/yr 23K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Speaking Science Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

  • Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
  • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
  • Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
↘ -0.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$96,600
$77K $123K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 500 openings/yr 6K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Science Mathematics
Day-to-day responsibilities

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

  • Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
  • Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
  • Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
↗ +2.9% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$94,980
$70K $127K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 700 openings/yr 7K employed nationally
Speaking Reading Comprehension Instructing Active Listening Writing
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Supervise students' laboratory and field work.
↗ +4.4% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$82,220
$64K $108K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 89K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Reading Comprehension Writing Speaking Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

  • Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
  • Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
  • Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
↗ +3.0% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$80,730
$61K $109K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 33,300 openings/yr 417K employed nationally
Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

  • Warn violators of infractions or penalties.
  • Evaluate applications, records, or documents to gather information about eligibility or liability issues.
  • Advise licensees or other individuals or groups concerning licensing, permit, or passport regulations.
↘ -1.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$72,040
$60K $93K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 66,200 openings/yr 1.1M employed nationally
Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Learning Strategies Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

  • Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  • Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.

Top Colleges for Environmental Geosciences

The 11 colleges below are ranked by how many Environmental Geosciences students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public 43 57.4% $21,315 $72,097
2 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public 17 79.8% $16,778 $69,020
3 The College of Wooster Wooster, OH · Nonprofit 11 59.5% $23,458 $59,629
4 Michigan Technological University Houghton, MI · Public 7 92.4% $14,182 $78,198
5 Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH · Nonprofit 5 36.5% $41,190 $87,989
6 University of the Pacific Stockton, CA · Nonprofit 4 71.3% $25,447 $78,445
7 Trinity University San Antonio, TX · Nonprofit 4 25.9% $23,464 $71,668
8 University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO · Public 3 72.2% $13,310 $59,637
9 University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO · Public 2 85.9% $17,760 $52,231
10 State University of New York at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY · Public 1 78.4% $17,156 $56,403
11 Holyoke Community College Holyoke, MA · Public 1 Open $8,068 $37,277

Ranked by Environmental Geosciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Environmental Geosciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Environmental Geosciences Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Environmental Geosciences shows 1 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 120,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Declining roles in some areas 2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
  • Limited program availability Only 15 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Environmental Geosciences Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Environmental Geosciences degree?
Environmental Geosciences degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Environmental Geosciences program take?
A Environmental Geosciences bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Environmental Geosciences?
15 colleges and universities in the United States offer Environmental Geosciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
What is the difference between Environmental Geosciences and Interdisciplinary Studies?
Environmental Geosciences is a focused concentration within the broader Interdisciplinary Studies field. The Interdisciplinary Studies major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Environmental Geosciences-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Environmental Geosciences graduates?
Employers hiring Environmental Geosciences graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.
What is the job outlook for Environmental Geosciences graduates?
The job outlook for Environmental Geosciences graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.3% job growth over the next 10 years. Environmental Scientist is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.4%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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