Graduate earth sciences programs are interdisciplinary and will expose students to several branches of science. Students who aim to better the environment may decide to focus their graduate earth sciences program studies on environmental engineering, environmental studies or environmental science. Those who plan to teach may enroll in a graduate earth sciences school to study environmental education, outdoor education or teaching earth science.

There are a myriad of possibilities within a graduate earth sciences program for students interested in the management end of the field. They may choose to study environmental management and resource management. Students pursuing a masters or PhD degree in earth sciences can also concentrate their studies in areas such as geography, hydrology, meteorology or geology.