Geophysics and Seismology

CIP Code: 40.0603

A geophysics and seismology degree prepares graduates for careers in Natural sciences managers, Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary, Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers. 33 colleges and universities offer this program.

Annual Degrees Awarded

197

                Colleges Offering
                33
            

                Avg. Career Salary
                $120,603
            

                Top Career Salary
                $161,180
            

Geophysics and Seismology Salary by College

Nationally, bachelor’s graduates in this field earn a median $60,190 four years after graduating (middle half: $44,343–$77,573). Where you study it matters: across 138 colleges with reported results, pay ranges from $40,858 to $85,207.

Sort by:

#	College	4 yrs after	Wage-adjusted	1 yr after	Median debt	Outcome Rating
1	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK	$85,207	$95,667	—	$27,000	A
2	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX	$83,481	$84,876	$42,062	$16,993	A+
5	Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA	$81,092	$82,471	$53,908	$25,648	C+
4	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA	$81,092	$82,471	$53,908	$25,648	A
3	Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver Monaca, PA	$81,092	$82,471	$53,908	$25,648	C+
6	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA	$79,143	$72,015	—	—	A+
7	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, TX	$74,594	$75,840	$44,585	$18,686	A
8	Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX	$74,591	$75,837	$49,727	$25,250	B+
9	San Diego State University San Diego, CA	$73,647	$67,014	$41,351	$21,500	B
10	California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA	$73,418	$66,806	—	$15,000	C+
11	University of California-Davis Davis, CA	$73,337	$66,732	$43,462	$16,000	A
12	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA	$73,305	$66,703	$49,406	$19,375	B+
13	Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA	$72,978	$74,219	—	$19,707	A+
14	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO	$71,631	$66,989	$41,158	$22,250	C+
15	University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA	$70,820	$64,442	$38,804	$14,916	A
16	University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC	$70,284	$77,934	$38,432	$23,250	A
18	Rutgers University-Newark Newark, NJ	$70,106	$61,531	$47,045	$24,068	B+
17	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ	$70,106	$61,531	$47,045	$24,068	A
19	California State University-Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA	$69,989	$63,685	—	—	C
21	University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL	$69,943	$74,445	$40,691	$19,737	A
20	University of Florida Gainesville, FL	$69,943	$74,445	$40,691	$19,737	A+
26	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, CT	$69,610	$62,671	—	—	B+
25	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, CT	$69,610	$62,671	—	—	B+
24	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, CT	$69,610	$62,671	—	—	B+
23	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, CT	$69,610	$62,671	—	—	B+
22	University of Connecticut Storrs, CT	$69,610	$62,671	—	—	A
27	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA	$69,227	$62,992	$48,489	$15,000	A+
28	University of Wyoming Laramie, WY	$68,883	$71,791	$45,758	$18,960	B
29	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL	$68,201	$67,007	$38,867	$21,875	A+
30	University of Houston Houston, TX	$68,127	$69,265	—	$24,875	B+
31	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA	$67,493	$78,128	$42,218	$19,500	A
32	Western Washington University Bellingham, WA	$67,208	$61,817	$36,802	$22,969	C+
38	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, OH	$66,922	$71,416	$38,637	$18,500	B
37	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OH	$66,922	$71,416	$38,637	$18,500	C+
36	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, OH	$66,922	$71,416	$38,637	$18,500	C
35	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, OH	$66,922	$71,416	$38,637	$18,500	B
34	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, OH	$66,922	$71,416	$38,637	$18,500	B
33	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, OH	$66,922	$71,416	$38,637	$18,500	C
40	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA	$66,845	$61,483	$29,724	$19,000	A
39	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA	$66,845	$61,483	$29,724	$19,000	A
41	West Virginia University Morgantown, WV	$66,798	$79,026	$36,382	$22,719	B+
42	University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA	$66,788	$60,773	$30,759	$16,298	A
43	Florida State University Tallahassee, FL	$66,157	$70,416	—	—	A
44	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS	$66,142	$80,251	—	—	C
45	Montclair State University Montclair, NJ	$65,826	$57,774	$43,985	$21,750	C+
46	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX	$65,294	$66,385	$42,788	$25,000	B
47	Iowa State University Ames, IA	$65,204	$68,587	$50,150	$24,781	B+
48	State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, NY	$64,634	$61,518	—	$27,000	C
49	University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA	$64,499	$58,690	$43,362	$20,833	B+
50	SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NY	$64,410	$61,305	—	—	C+
51	College of Charleston Charleston, SC	$63,993	$70,958	$49,786	$22,659	B
52	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, MN	$63,893	$61,031	—	$27,219	B
53	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI	$63,838	$66,427	$42,932	$26,500	C+
54	Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, CT	$63,566	$57,230	$43,915	$24,124	C
55	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ	$63,387	$65,131	$38,617	$24,250	B
56	Auburn University Auburn, AL	$63,298	$71,849	$45,588	$26,000	A
57	University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT	$62,867	$59,583	$49,446	—	B+
58	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI	$62,448	$65,844	$39,997	$28,869	A
59	Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH	$62,360	$57,440	$45,727	$20,875	C
60	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS	$62,082	$75,325	$42,298	$21,500	B
61	SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, NY	$62,004	$59,015	—	—	F
62	Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI	$61,868	$65,233	$38,675	$27,000	B
63	University of Kansas Lawrence, KS	$61,838	$64,198	$41,626	$26,469	B+
64	University of South Alabama Mobile, AL	$61,632	$69,958	—	—	C+
65	University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL	$61,206	$60,134	$37,280	$21,500	B+
66	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC	$61,023	$65,486	$38,871	$20,029	A
67	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI	$60,949	$64,264	$45,974	$17,875	A+
68	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN	$60,715	$57,996	$44,825	$21,000	A
69	University of South Florida Tampa, FL	$60,472	$64,365	$48,565	$24,405	B+
70	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO	$60,453	$56,535	$46,263	$19,500	B+
71	University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC	$60,414	$64,833	$38,459	$22,995	B
72	Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ	$60,402	$62,064	$42,528	$21,251	C+
73	University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA	$60,355	$62,480	$33,344	$22,054	D
74	Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA	$60,075	$61,097	$43,112	$27,000	C
75	State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, NY	$60,027	$57,133	—	—	C+
76	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA	$59,969	$54,607	—	—	A
77	University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY	$59,841	$56,956	$39,696	$19,750	B+
78	University of California-Riverside Riverside, CA	$59,677	$54,302	$22,998	—	B+
79	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, OH	$59,558	$63,557	$38,478	$19,500	B
80	Salem State University Salem, MA	$59,424	$52,329	—	—	D
81	Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO	$59,252	$63,531	$47,352	—	A
82	California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, CA	$58,891	$53,587	$35,509	$16,625	C+
83	The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX	$58,840	$59,823	—	$25,500	A
84	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI	$58,771	$61,154	$43,068	$24,250	A+
85	Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA	$58,472	$53,782	—	—	B
86	Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI	$58,164	$61,327	—	—	C+
87	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, NH	$58,045	$53,465	—	—	B
88	University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO	$57,989	$54,231	$46,954	$24,121	D
89	Portland State University Portland, OR	$57,932	$58,273	$37,831	$21,253	C+
90	University of Houston-Downtown Houston, TX	$57,892	$58,859	$50,894	$18,529	C
91	Pennsylvania Western University California, PA	$57,549	$58,528	$38,603	—	D
92	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX	$57,540	$58,501	$42,779	$18,500	C+
95	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA	$57,456	$58,433	$38,652	$25,000	A
94	University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown, PA	$57,456	$58,433	$38,652	$25,000	B+
93	University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Bradford, PA	$57,456	$58,433	$38,652	$25,000	B
96	Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI	$57,438	$60,562	$35,235	$31,000	C+
97	Wayne State University Detroit, MI	$57,203	$60,314	$30,723	—	C+
98	Lake Superior State University Sault Ste Marie, MI	$56,905	$60,000	—	—	C
99	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI	$56,739	$59,040	$44,207	$21,000	B
100	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN	$56,405	$61,616	$34,329	$25,789	C
101	Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, PA	$56,402	$57,361	$41,094	$25,875	C+
102	Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Indiana, PA	$56,380	$57,339	$34,617	—	C
103	Fort Lewis College Durango, CO	$56,304	$52,655	—	—	F
104	Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA	$56,255	$51,225	—	—	D
105	Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX	$55,954	$56,889	—	—	C
106	SUNY College at Geneseo Geneseo, NY	$55,018	$52,366	$27,395	$22,287	B+
107	Boise State University Boise, ID	$53,995	$57,416	$31,701	$25,360	C+
108	Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA	$53,987	$49,656	—	—	C+
109	Binghamton University Vestal, NY	$53,761	$51,169	—	—	A
110	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH	$53,594	$57,193	$39,678	$24,000	D
111	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN	$53,479	$58,420	—	—	C
112	George Mason University Fairfax, VA	$53,441	$48,663	—	—	B+
113	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH	$53,381	$56,966	$41,156	$25,000	A
114	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Arcata, CA	$53,371	$48,564	$29,476	$19,940	F
115	Illinois State University Normal, IL	$53,272	$52,339	—	—	B
116	Appalachian State University Boone, NC	$53,269	$57,165	$35,021	$22,291	C+
117	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC	$53,247	$57,142	$37,717	$22,980	B
118	Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA	$52,378	$53,269	$28,040	$25,669	C
119	University of Nevada-Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV	$52,278	$54,259	$41,963	$15,000	C+
120	Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MA	$52,219	$45,984	—	$19,500	D
121	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TX	$52,098	$52,968	—	—	C
122	University of Oregon Eugene, OR	$52,007	$52,313	—	$26,909	B
123	James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA	$51,500	$46,895	$48,118	$21,500	B+
124	Columbus State University Columbus, GA	$50,864	$52,655	—	—	F
125	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, OH	$50,824	$54,237	$39,321	$26,000	C
126	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN	$50,202	$54,840	$30,101	$25,000	B+
127	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR	$49,730	$58,603	$31,087	$22,500	B+
128	Montana State University Bozeman, MT	$49,241	$53,788	$29,030	$20,064	C+
129	University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA	$48,987	$56,706	—	—	C
130	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, MO	$48,191	$51,671	$34,481	$24,984	C
131	South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD	$48,069	$51,741	—	—	A
132	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, WI	$47,123	$49,034	$29,117	$21,120	C
133	Georgia State University Atlanta, GA	$47,111	$48,769	$39,375	$25,000	D
134	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA	$46,986	$49,424	—	—	B
136	Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH	$46,171	$49,271	$40,005	$25,000	D
135	Kent State University at Stark North Canton, OH	$46,171	$49,271	$40,005	$25,000	B
137	Washington State University Pullman, WA	$45,002	$41,392	$33,178	$20,433	B
138	University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI	$40,858	$40,241	—	—	B+

Bachelor’s degrees. Wage-adjusted = pay ÷ √(state wage index). Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data.

What Can You Do With a Geophysics and Seismology Degree?

Graduates with this degree pursue careers in the following fields:

Natural sciences managers

$161,180 +3.7% growth

View Career →

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary

$101,390 +2.6% growth

View Career →

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

$99,240 +3.2% growth

View Career →

$120,603

Average Salary Across Careers

$161,180

Highest Paying Career

Career Paths Available

Best Colleges for Geophysics and Seismology

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees awarded. These are the top-rated colleges that produce the most graduates in geophysics and seismology.

#	College	Location	Degrees Awarded	Repit Grade
1	University of Houston	Houston, TX	26	B

Largest Geophysics and Seismology Programs

Schools ranked by number of graduates. These institutions produce the most geophysics and seismology graduates annually, including online and distance learning programs.

#	College	Location	Degrees Awarded	Repit Grade
1	University of Houston	Houston, TX	26	B

197

Degrees Awarded Annually

Colleges Offering Program

Related Careers

About Geophysics and Seismology

Geophysics and Seismology is a degree program offered at 33 colleges and universities across the United States. Each year, approximately 197 students graduate with this degree.

Graduates with this degree can pursue careers such as natural sciences managers, atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary, geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers.

Program Classification

CIP Code 40.0603

Field (2-digit CIP) 40

Category (4-digit CIP) 40.06

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Geophysics and Seismology degree?

A Geophysics and Seismology degree can lead to careers as a natural sciences managers, atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary, geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers, and more. Top earners in related careers can make up to $161,180 annually.

How many colleges offer Geophysics and Seismology?

33 colleges and universities in the United States offer Geophysics and Seismology as a degree program. Each year, approximately 197 students graduate with this degree.

What are the best colleges for Geophysics and Seismology?

The best colleges for Geophysics and Seismology based on Repit's ratings include University of Houston. Rankings are based on the college's overall Repit grade and the number of degrees awarded in this program.

What is the salary potential with a Geophysics and Seismology degree?

Graduates with a Geophysics and Seismology degree can expect average salaries around $120,603 in related careers, with top earners making up to $161,180. Actual salaries depend on the specific career path, experience level, and location.

Geophysics and Seismology

Geophysics and Seismology Salary by College

What Can You Do With a Geophysics and Seismology Degree?

Natural sciences managers

Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

Best Colleges for Geophysics and Seismology

Largest Geophysics and Seismology Programs

About Geophysics and Seismology

Program Classification

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the ZIP-level rental data BiggerPockets doesn’t show

What best describes you?

When are you looking to take action?

What interests you most?

You're in.