在地球化学的许多领域，研究生学习和研究的机会很大。同位素和痕量元素地球化学，水热流体地球化学，矿物/流体界面的地球化学以及矿物熔体系统的理论和实验地球化学等领域都有重大举措。所有程序都具有强大的实验基础，并且许多程序将实验工作与现场研究相结合。利用微量元素和放射性同位素的研究的特定领域包括太古代和生代地壳的演化以及岩性组合的年代学。这些与世界范围内沉积，变质和火成岩的岩石学研究相结合。涉及硫化物和碳酸盐矿物表面化学和结构的研究是低温含水地球化学的计划之一，其中包括对地球催化，结晶和微量元素掺入机制的重视，
There are broad opportunities for graduate study and research in many areas of geochemistry. Major initiatives exist in isotope and trace-element geochemistry, aqueous and hydrothermal geochemistry, geochemistry of mineral/fluid interfaces, and theoretical and experimental geochemistry of mineral-melt systems. All programs have a strong experimental foundation, and many integrate experimental work with field studies. Specific areas of research utilizing trace elements and radiogenic isotopes include evolution of Archean and Phanerozoic crust and geochronology of lithologic assemblages. These integrate with petrologic studies of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous terranes throughout the world. Research involving the chemistry and structure of sulfide and carbonate mineral surfaces are among the programs in low-temperature aqueous geochemistry, these include emphasis on geocatalysis, crystallization and trace element incorporation mechanisms, as well as the role of sulfides in the origin of life. Field-related studies focus on fluid chemistry in active hydrothermal systems. Research on silicic melts combines theoretical and experimental approaches for characterizing speciation and crystal-melt equilibria, and also for examining nucleation and growth. Closely related experimental studies focus on phase equilibria, solid-solution models, and the development of geothermometers and geobarometers, including applications in field studies.