General degrees in this area are often labeled in the "Earth Science" or "General Science" categories at most major universities. Students who acquire a general degree in geothermal science tend to either proceed on to a graduate program with a specific focus, or work in management or human resources positions in geothermal power plants.
Geothermal engineering degrees focus on both the mechanics for harnessing geothermal energy, as well as the generation, maintenance and improvement of technologies used in the harnessing of geothermal energy. Geothermal engineers often work as systems analysts or on-site engineers in geothermal facilities, such as laboratories or power plants.
Geothermal chemistry degrees focus on the specific conditions under which geothermal energy is produced and stored. More specifically, geothermal chemists analyze the physical materials (soil, water, minerals) that aid or inhibit geothermal production and storage. Geothermal chemists tend to work as scouts for geothermal facilities, examining physical conditions throughout the world in which a geothermal plant or laboratory could be established.
Similar to geothermal chemistry degrees, geothermal physics degrees also focus on the specific conditions under which geothermal energy is produced and stored. More specifically, geothermal physicists analyze the generative and distributive properties of the geothermal energy itself. Geothermal physics tend to work alongside engineers inside a facility to monitor the stability of the energy being analyzed or harnessed.