The sustainability of our planet has become a concern due to climate change. There is a need to focus and put special emphasis on how to protect the planet. Hence, there is a dire requirement for professionals with the expertise to work towards the upliftment of the planet and related fields. The Earth and Marine Sciences programs provide education related to existing environmental issues.
Earth and Marine Sciences are a domain that deals with several disciplines like mathematics, environmental science, geography, and geology. The courses in this program range from oceanography to the earth’s structure.
Such courses can equip you with the skills to collect environmental data about various regions. You can expect various on-field activities to understand the practical changes happening to the planet.
In addition, you can work in the academic or industrial sector. Higher studies in Earth and Marine Sciences can increase your chances of becoming a marine biologist. You can also work in a company having expertise in environmental conversation.
You can choose the following specializations available in the Earth and Marine sciences courses:
Geology
Soil Science
Paleontology
Environmental Science
Marine Science
Oceanography
Meteorology
All these concentrations are related to the state and changes in our planet’s dynamics and structure.
Job Prospects after Completion
You can pursue several jobs after completing an Earth and Marine Sciences course. Here are some of the profiles with their average remuneration per year:
Marine Biologist: USD 52,230
Oceanographer: USD 66,940
Meteorologist: USD 55,124
Geophysicist: USD 90,830
Geologist: USD 174,000
Note that these salaries are for profiles based in the United States of America. You can even receive opportunities in other parts of the world like Europe.
Top universities for Earth and Marine sciences
Country: USA
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Address: 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
Status: Private
MIT is a famous institute with a dedicated discipline offering Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences courses. They offer undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs in the Earth and Marine sciences field.
According to the QS Top Universities Rankings, MIT stands at the #3 globally in the Earth and Marine Sciences. Hence, it’s apparent that it is one of the Top universities for Earth and Marine sciences.
The overall cost of attendance at this prestigious institute is approximately USD 77,020 per academic year.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs under the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.
This university ranks #47 in the world and #18 in the Earth and Marine Science subject. You can explore the major degree, ‘Earth and Ocean Sciences at UBC. This education can open an array of opportunities with job profiles like Data Assistant, Science Writer, Climate Service Specialist, and Air Pollution Technician.
The total annual expense of accommodation at UBC is approximately CAD 28,380. Here is a quick distribution of the annual fees:
Tuition fee: CAD 3,100
Living expenses: CAD 17,400 onwards
Here are some notable alumni of the University of British Columbia:
Yael Cohen – Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
Belinda Wong – Businesswoman and a leader in Starbucks China
Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada
If you prefer to study in Canada, UBC can be one of the top universities for Earth and Marine sciences.
Address: The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom
Status: Public
The University of Cambridge has a separate Department of Earth Sciences that offers a research-oriented curriculum. The courses range from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels.
This prestigious institute ranks #2 in the world as per QS Top Universities rankings. Also, it is positioned at #4 globally in the Earth and Marine Sciences subject. Thus, you can receive a top-notch education in this domain at the University of Cambridge.
The approximate cost of living in Cambridge is around GBP 11,440 per year. However, these expenses vary as per your lifestyle and choice of accommodation. Here are other useful parameters that can help streamline your finances:
Tuition fees: GBP 35,500 per year (approximate)
Living expenses: GBP 11,400
Some notable alumni who studied at the University of Cambridge are:
Salman Rushdie – Famous essayist and novelist
Amartya Sen – Economist and Nobel Prize Winner
M.S. Swaminathan – Agronomist and Agricultural Scientist
So, studying at this prestigious institute can prove beneficial for your career advancement.
At this time, ETH Zurich is the best university to study Earth and Marine Sciences courses. The institute has a Department of Earth Sciences that offers programs like Masters in Earth Science, Atmospheric and Climate Science, and Applied Geophysics. You can also pursue a Bachelor’s course in Earth and Climate Sciences at this top university.
Since 2015, ETH Zurich has maintained its #1 position in the Earth and Marine Sciences subject. In addition, the institute ranks at #9 amongst global universities.
The total living cost at ETH Zurich lies around CHF 26,400 for international students. Here’s a glance at the main expenses:
Tuition fees: CHF 730 per semester
Living expenses: CHF 20,000 per year (approximate)
ETH Zurich alumni work at organizations like UBS, Google, Roche, and other prominent companies.
Here are some of the popular names that are ETH Zurich pass-outs:
Richard Ernst – Swiss physical chemist and Nobel Laureate.
Konrad Steffen – Famous glaciologist known for his contribution in the impact of global warming on the Arctic.
Hans Rudolf Herren – Swiss entomologist, farmer, and development specialist.
All in all, ETH Zurich undoubtedly leads the list of Top universities for Earth and Marine sciences.
The Australian National University (ANU) has a research institution known as the ANU Research School of Earth Sciences. This institute has facilities like the Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Micropode, which is a testament to its top-notch infrastructure.
As per the QS World University Rankings, ANU stands at #30 worldwide as an educational institute. Notably, it ranks #14 in the Earth and Marine Science subject. Hence, it is clear that the Research School of Earth Sciences is one of the prominent departments at ANU.
The courses and level of programs mainly influence the expenses at ANU. However, you can expect the cost of living to hover around the AUD 25,400 mark. Here are some more details about the fees:
Tuition fees: AUD 47,940
Living expenses: AUD 25,400 to AUD 28,600
Here are some of the well-known alumni that studied at the Australian National University:
Julie McKay
Brian Schmidt
Jennifer Robinson
ANU is one of the top universities for Earth and Marine sciences. Its high employability and up-to-date resources make it an exciting prospect for a wide range of courses.
What are earth and marine sciences in simple words?
Earth and marine science are a field that deals with studying physical and chemical processes that impact the planet.
Which sectors can you explore with an education in the earth and marine science sector?
You can work in agencies that operate on the environmental concerns of the planet. In addition, formal education in earth and marine sciences can help you explore mining, natural resource management, and water treatment domains. You can also work as an environmental consultant and collaborate with various research organizations.
Do I have the chance to travel as a Geologist?
A geology profile can demand constant travel to remote locations. You can receive opportunities to locate gas reserves and evaluate a project’s feasibility. In addition, such a career requires collecting various environmental samples.
Which country is best for earth science and geologist job profiles?
The United States of America is one of the global leaders in earth science research. Also, it has multiple universities that rank high in the earth and marine science sector. Hence, exploring this country is beneficial if you are an aspiring geologist.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4093 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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