WHAT IS GEOLOGY?
Geology is the study of the Earth, including its history, structure, character, composition, and the processes that have molded the planet and its condition since its origin. With the exploration of space and analysis of meteors found on Earth, the field has also extended the field to include the solid planets of the solar system.
Geologists study mineral resources, including the location and movement of oil and water in the Earth; hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions; polluted ground water; and land use planning.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Geology majors can expect to study the origin and evolution of the Earth; properties of minerals, rocks, and fluids; the structure of the Earth's crust; the history of life; and earthquakes, volcanos, landslides, and floods. Most programs will require general courses on meteorology, oceanography, planetology, paleobiology, chemistry, mineralology, and stratigraphy. There are many sub-disciplines, and Geology majors often choose an emphasis of more focused study, such as Oil and Gas Exploration, Environmental Geology, Paleontology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, and Geophysics. Specific Geology courses we've seen include:
- Planets, Asteroids, and Impacts
- Evolution and Extinction
- Mineralogy and Crystallography
- The Ice Ages and Human Chronology
- Volcanoes and Earthquakes
- Evolutionary Paleontology
- Sedimentology
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Great Resources
on Geology
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- Petrology
- Quantitative Geomorphology
- Archaeology
- Petroleum Geology
- Hydrogeology
- Geochemistry
- Plate Tectonics and Geophysics
- Dynamic Processes in Sedimentation
- Stratigraphy
- Paleobiology
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Geology graduates can expect to find employment largely in the private sector, according to the American Geological Institute, which reports that most geoscientists are employed by industries related to oil and gas, mining and minerals and water resources. This is driven by the important role geologists play in exploration for petroleum and other fuels, metals and building materials.
However, there are many opportunities in the public, academic and nonprofit sectors, as well, driven by the growing public concern for the environment and the continuing need to better understand natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods for the protection of the public.
Graduates will find careers investigating the Earth, its soils, oceans, and atmosphere; forecasting the weather; developing land-use plans; exploring other planets and the solar system; determining environmental impacts; and finding new sources of useful materials. Specific job titles we've seen include:
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Career Guidance
on Geology
 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. >>>
 Dr. Jean Bahr takes us inside her career in hydrogeology - scoping out the water trapped between rocks underground, cleaning it up, and delivering it to faucets worldwide. Click here to read more...
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- Atmospheric Scientists
- GIS Analyst
- Economic Geologists
- Water Resources Specialist
- Engineering geologists
- Labratory Technician
- Geochemists
- Oil and Gas Exploration Project Manager
- Geomorphologists
- Hydrogeologists / Hydrologists
- Meteorologists / Weather Analyst
- Oceanographers
- Seismologists
- Soil scientists
- Stratigraphers
- Volcanologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual earnings of geoscientists were about $67,470 in 2002 with the middle 50 percent earning between $48,370 and $102,120 per year. Check out full report from BLS on careers in Geology here.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2003 for graduates with bachelor's degrees in geology and related sciences averaged about $32,828 a year; graduates with a master's degree averaged $47,981; and graduates with a doctoral degree received an average offer of $61,050.
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