Geosciencesat The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Graduates earn $30,101/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national Geosciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $514K; scenarios range from $485K to $517K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Tennessee
The data for UT-Knoxville's Geosciences program suggests a challenging path to high earnings, largely due to regional labor market dynamics. Unlike programs in major oil & gas states or active mining regions, the Tennessee economy doesn't generate a high volume of lucrative entry-level geoscience roles. Many graduates may find initial opportunities in smaller environmental consulting firms focused on local site assessment, or state government positions (like with TDEC), which typically offer more modest starting salaries.
While the program provides a strong academic foundation, securing the higher-paying careers listed often requires advanced degrees or relocating to more active geological markets. The evolving role of AI also means foundational tasks are increasingly automated, pushing you to develop more specialized technical skills (like advanced GIS or data modeling) to truly differentiate yourself. To maximize your prospects, consider pairing your geoscience passion with a strong technical minor or planning for graduate studies, and be prepared to explore opportunities beyond the immediate region.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Tennessee's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Geosciences
How University of Tennessee stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Tennessee
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Tennessee, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Geosciences at University of Tennessee
What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geosciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville a good choice for Geosciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.