Geosciencesat University of South Florida
Graduates earn $48,565/yr in their first year — about 22.0% above the national Geosciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $582K; scenarios range from $537K to $593K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of South Florida
Your strong outcomes in Geological and Earth Sciences at USF are significantly driven by Tampa Bay's unique regional economy. Florida's extensive coastline, critical water resources, and rapid development create robust demand for geoscientists specializing in environmental consulting, water management, and infrastructure. You'll find graduates highly sought after by state agencies like the DEP, water management districts, and numerous engineering and environmental firms addressing issues from aquifer protection to coastal resilience. The program likely emphasizes practical fieldwork and data analysis relevant to these challenges, preparing you for roles as a geoscientist or hydrologist managing complex projects. While some data tasks are becoming automated, the critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills you'll develop are irreplaceable. To truly leverage this advantage, actively pursue internships with local organizations; they are your direct pipeline to post-graduation success.
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 South Florida'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 South Florida stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of South Florida
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of South Florida, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Geosciences at University of South Florida
How does University of South Florida's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Geosciences graduates.
How vulnerable is Geosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geosciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of South Florida rank so high for Geosciences?
The #2 ranking out of 103 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.