WHAT IS EARTH SCIENCE?
Earth Science is the study of the earth and its processes. It involves examination of the earth's materials, structure, history and all of the living things on it, including how and when they formed and evolved. This kind of study of the earth helps to develop an understanding of its future and the need for careful management of its resources. Earth scientists include geologists, meteorologists, geographers, oceanographers, and ecologists
From this work, we can better understand where to look for mineral and energy reserves, where to find drinking water, and where and when floods, hurricanes, and severe storms may occur. Understanding how living organisms interact and impact their surroundings increases our awareness of how today's polluting industries and agricultural pesticides can potentially wipe out our Earth's precious and limited natural resources.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Earth Science is multidisciplinary, and majors will study a wide range of scientific fields related to the earth, often including physical geography, geology, meteorology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, physics, and chemistry. Often, undergraduates have the opportunity to focus their education in a more specific field within the Earth Sciences major through a declared emphasis or simply through the flexibility and diversity of courses offered. Specific courses we've seen include:
- Astronomy
- Weather Forecasting
- Caves
- Dinosaurs and Paleontology
- Earthquakes
- Glaciers and Polar Research
- Hydrology / Hydrogeology
- Cartography
- Geographic Information Systems
- Remote Sensing
- Surveying
- Volcanoes and Volcanism
- Plate Tectonics
- Minerology
- Erosion Processes
- The Water Cycle
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Because of the diversity of scientific fields available to study, Earth Sciences graduates find career opportunities in many areas. In the private sector, this can include oil, gas, and mining companies, or, in the public and nonprofit sectors, it could include environmental planning or education. The diverse, scientific background can also be a great advantage in fields such as science journalism or environmental law. Some specific job titles we've seen include:
Environmental and Resource Analyst
GIS Analyst
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Career Guidance
on Earth Science
 It's a lot more than digging up rocks. Lance Eckhart describes the work of a Geologist and the path he took to his environmental career in this interview.
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Regional or City Planner
Science Editor
Environmental Consultant
Executive Director of a Conservation Organization
Park Naturalist
Earth Science Instructor
Oceanographer
Environmental Impact Report (writer or reviewer)
Exploration Geologist
Water Resource Specialist
Environmental Engineer
Seismologist
Laboratory Research Assistant
Environmental Resources Specialist
Agricultural Technician
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes reports on numerous occupations which could apply to Earth Science graduates, including atmospheric scientists, geologists, geophysicists, and oceanographers, and science technicians. BLS reported that the median annual earnings for atmospheric scientists in 2002 were $60,200 with the middle 50 percent earning between $39,970 and $76,880. For environmental scientists and geoscientists (including oceanographers), BLS reported the median annual earnings to be $47,600 in 2002. Check out full report from BLS on careers in Earth Science here.
RELATED AREAS OF STUDY
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