What Can I Do With This Major

Geology

Geology is the study of the structure, composition, environment, and natural processes of the Earth and other planets. Coursework may emphasize studying the composition of volcanoes, measuring earthquakes, investigating how mountain ranges form, examining climate trends, learning how to keep our air and water clean, or exploring for new mineral and hydrocarbon resources.

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Energy (Coal, Oil, Gas, and Other Energy Sources)

Common Career Paths

  • Sedimentology
  • Stratigraphy
  • Structural geology
  • Economic geology
  • Geochemistry
  • Geomorphology
  • Geophysics
  • Hydrogeology
  • Fossil energy
  • Paleontology
  • Sustainable energy geology

Employers

  • Petroleum industry:
    • Oil and gas exploration
    • Production
    • Storage
    • Waste disposal facilities
  • Coal industry:
    • Mining exploration
    • Grade assessment
    • Waste disposal
  • Renewable energy companies (geothermal, wind, solar)
  • Federal government agencies:
    • Bureau of Land Management
    • Department of Energy
    • National Labs
    • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Consulting firms
  • Oil field machinery and supply companies
  • State government agencies
  • Well services and drilling companies

Strategies

Geologists working in the area of energy use various methods to determine where energy sources are accumulated. They may pursue work tasks including exploration, well site operations, and mudlogging.

  • Seek knowledge in engineering to aid communication, as geologists often work closely with engineers. Coursework in geophysics is also advantageous for this field.
  • Gain experience with computer modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
  • Many geologists in this area of expertise work with oil and gas and may work in the geographic areas where deposits are found including offshore sites and in overseas oil-producing countries.
  • This industry is subject to fluctuations, so be prepared to work on a contract basis.
  • Develop excellent writing skills to publish reports and to solicit grants from government, industry, and private foundations.
  • Obtain leadership experience through campus organizations and work experiences for project management positions.
  • Consider gaining expertise in sustainable energy sources (e.g., geothermal energy, energy storage systems).

Environmental Remediation/Compliance (Ground Water, Surface Water, Soils, Air, and Sediments)

Common Career Paths

  • Remediation
  • Liability
  • Audit
  • Compliance
  • Sustainability 

Employers

  • Federal government agencies:
    • Army Corps of Engineers
    • Bureau of Land Management
    • Department of Defense
    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    • Forest Service
    • National Labs
    • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Environmental consulting firms
  • Mines
  • Public utilities companies
  • State highway departments
  • Civil engineering firms
  • Land use planning agencies
  • Surveying companies
  • Water testing labs

Strategies

Scientists in this category may focus on studying, protecting, and reclaiming the environment.

  • Obtain lab experience through coursework, research with professors, and internship programs related to environmental science.
  • Consider additional environmental courses in other departments to complement this concentration.
  • Develop excellent written and speaking skills, particularly for interest in public policy.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of federal and state government guidelines for the management of solid, liquid, and gaseous waste. Investigate certification programs for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER).
  • Consider earning a law or policy master’s degree for work with land-use laws and legal matters.
  • Consider internships in environmental law/policy if interested in environmental regulations and sustainability.

Geologic Mapping

Common Career Paths

  • Stratigraphy
  • Structural geology
  • Remote sensing
  • Sedimentology
  • Geophysics

Employers

  • Federal government agencies:
    • Department of Defense
    • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Private companies

Strategies

Geologists interested in geologic mapping collect, process, analyze, translate, and disseminate earth-science information through geologic maps.

  • Pursue experience reading maps and interpreting data sources including geological surveys and satellite images.
  • Learn about surveying through part-time jobs, internships, or academic opportunities.
  • Develop attention to detail and excellent technical skills to utilize geologic and spatial mapping programs.
  • Gain experience with modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Develop proficiency in using modern survey tools (e.g., geologic mapping via drones).

Hazards

Common Career Paths

  • Engineering geology
    • Geomorphology
    • Seismology
    • Volcanology
  • Geologic engineering
    • Civil engineering
    • Environmental geology
    • Structural geology

Employers

  • Federal government agencies:
    • Department of Defense
    • Department of Interior
    • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Private research groups and foundations
  • Consulting firms

Strategies

Geologists in this area focus on the detection of hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, tsunamis, and the effects of these hazards on the landscape.

  • Gain experience in technical mapping such as digital terrain modeling; a high degree of computer skills is expected.
  • Consider an additional major or minor in physics, geophysics, or engineering; knowledge of engineering is essential.
  • Develop excellent writing and presentation skills and be willing to travel to conduct research.
  • Prepare to work with teams of scientists and other staff in the field for extended periods.
  • Research Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam requirements, as this is typically the first step in becoming a Professional Engineer (PE).
  • PE licensing guidelines vary by state. Check with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for links to state boards.
  • Obtain Ph.D. for research and administrative opportunities.

Minerals

Common Career Paths

  • Engineering
  • Mineralogy
  • Mining
  • Economic geology
  • Geochemistry
  • Paleontology
  • Crystallography
  • Sedimentology
  • Stratigraphy

Employers

  • Consulting firms
  • Geological exploration firms
  • Mining companies
  • Federal government agencies:
    • Bureau of Land Management
    • Offie of Surfance Mining
    • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Railroad companies
  • Well services and drilling companies

Strategies

Geologists who study mineralogy or mining geology area are interested in locating the accumulations of minerals or metals within the earth’s crust. They may pursue work tasks including exploration, well site operations, mine design, reclamation, and groundwater management.

  • Become familiar with environmental regulations, sustainability, and government permit issues.
  • Consider specializing in a particular mineral or metal to build an area of expertise.
  • Secure experience in the field through part-time positions and internships.
  • Seek opportunities to develop strong technical skills, as mining geologists rely heavily on computerized models to learn about mineral deposits.

Planetary Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Geomorphology
  • Remote sensing
  • Mineralogy
  • Petrology
  • Geochemistry

Employers

  • Federal government agencies:
    • National Labs
    • National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA)
    • U.S. Geological Survey

Strategies

Geologists involved in planetary sciences may participate in processing and analyzing data from various missions to bodies in our solar system, assisting in finding potential landing sites for exploration vehicles, mapping neighboring planets and their moons, and conducting research to better understand the origins, evolutions and geologic processes operating on these bodies.

  • Explore opportunities for undergraduate research.
  • Work in this area is limited and requires many years of experience and developed research. A Ph.D. is often required.
  • Take additional coursework in physics to specialize in planetary sciences.
  • Pursue internships in national labs with space programs such as the Ames Laboratory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Johnson Space Center.
  • Seek experience with remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies.
  • Develop extraordinary analytical writing skills for grant writing and research.
  • Explore the expanding private spaceflight sector.

Education

Common Career Paths

  • Research
  • Teaching

Employers

  • Elementary/secondary public or private schools
  • Colleges and universities
  • Museums

Strategies

  • Explore opportunities for undergraduate research.
  • Develop strong communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Seek volunteer or paid experiences, such as camp counselor or tutor, with target age group.
  • Explore experiences in other settings (e.g., science museums, planetariums) for hands-on teaching.
  • Obtain certification/licensing for public school teaching, which varies by state. Acquire multiple certifications for increased employability in secondary education.
  • Complete a master’s degree for community college teaching.
  • Pursue Ph.D. for college/university teaching and research. Grant writing skills are essential in academia.

Getting Started and Advancing in Major

  • A bachelor’s degree is good background for pursuing technical graduate degrees as well as professional degrees in business administration, medicine, or law.
  • Within the many facets of geology, there is often overlap of job functions. However, many geologists find advantage in becoming more specialized.
  • Get relevant experience and start building professional networks early through internships, research assistant positions, and field camps. Other opportunities may include volunteering, part-time jobs, or co-ops in various geological areas.
  • Possess a love of the outdoors, an interest in nature, and a desire to travel.
  • Develop physical stamina to work and conduct research in remote areas under various conditions.
  • A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for entry-level industry positions.
  • Seek graduate school if aiming for specialized fields (hydrogeology, geophysics, environmental geology, etc.). A master’s degree is often preferred for career advancement, particularly in energy, environmental, and geotechnical roles.
  • Employment prospects are best for those with master’s degrees, familiarity with advanced technologies such as computer modeling, and willingness to relocate.
  • Maintain a high GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations for admittance to graduate school.
  • Research licensure and certification laws by state for pursuing registered geologist credential.
  • Obtain experience in mapping and surveying. Develop skills with measuring equipment as well as laboratory equipment and processes.
  • Consider developing strong technical skills (e.g., GIS, remote sensing, programming) in addition to core geological knowledge.
  • Acquire a business background to help in managing projects and assessing economic costs and benefits.
  • Join groups directed toward improvement of natural resources, environment, and pollution control including professional organizations related to interest area(s).
  • Develop exceptional computer skills.
  • Learn a foreign language for work in international environmental and geotechnical projects.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. The ability to market your skills and write proposals is necessary to maintain steady work. Grants may be necessary to start and continue projects.

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