Who hires geologists? |
Explore Careers in Geology |
Explore Careers In Oceanography |
Explore Careers in Paleontology |
How Much Do Geologists Make? |
There are several types of careers that you can pursue with a Geology or Earth Science degree:* Environmental Geology: You can be involved in water and soil testing and remediation, assessment of sites for pollution types and amounts, clean-up of toxic chemicals from the water and/or soil. * Engineering Geology: Engineering geologists work with other professionals to oversee the planning and construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams, landfills, and tunnels. Geological engineers are experts in rock strength, stability of slopes, and the mechanics of soils. * Geological Education: You can specialize in Middle Childhood or Secondary Education, bringing the Earth Sciences to children of a broad spectrum of ages. Teaching at the college/university level requires a Ph.D. at most institutions. *Petroleum Geology and Economic Geology: This involves searching for and helping to mine or exploit Earth’s resources, including ore minerals, oil, natural gas, and coal. * Field Geology: You can make maps, assess areas for geological activity, and monitor environmental remediation. * Science Writing and Editing: With a combination of English or Journalism coursework, you can write or edit science articles, manuals, and other texts. * Environmental Law: With background in the earth sciences, you can go on to study and litigate various aspects of the impact of humans on the physical environment. back to top |
Engineering Geologists must ensure that roadcuts such as this one in the Andes, near Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina, are stable. Photo by R. Feldmann.
The breakwall in the background has been engineered to protect the Lake Erie coastline. Photo by R. Feldmann. |
Specialize! Geologists who specialize in the following areas typically have a Master’s Degree or a Ph.D:Paleontology–the study of ancient life and ecosystems Volcanology–the study of volcanoes Seismology–the study of earthquakes Hydrogeology–the study of groundwater, its flow, and its pollution and remediation Hydrology–the study of surface water flow Geochemistry–the study of geochemical reactions in rocks and water Geophysics–the study of all physical aspects of the Earth, including paleomagnetism, plate tectonics, earthquakes activity Structural Geology–the study of mountain building and the folding and faulting of rocks Paleoclimatology/Paleooceanography–the study and modeling of past oceans and climates Oceanography–the study of coastal erosion, sediment transport, construction of harbors, and other aspects of the modern oceans back to top |
This fossil crab was collected from Oligocene rocks of Argentina. Note the 25 peso coin for scale (about the size of a US quarter). Photo by R. Feldmann.
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Who hires geologists?
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KSU geologists, visiting geologists from Romania and Argentina, and KSU students visit Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado, which employs geologists. Photo by L. Conkle. |
EXPLORE CAREERS IN GEOLOGYThe following are good links that have more information about careers in the geological sciences:United States Geological Survey American Association of Petroleum Geologists Association for Women Geoscientists Paleontological Research Institute University of Canterbury, New Zealand Geological Society of Australia University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Geology back to top |
Field work in geology takes students and professionals all over the world. Here, students and professors from Kent State University and the University of Bucharest in Romania stop for a break in the Bucegi Mountains, part of the Carpathian Mountain Range, in Romania. Photo by Ovidiu Franţescu. |
EXPLORE CAREERS IN OCEANOGRAPHYThe following links have more information about careers in oceanography:Scripps Institution of Oceanography Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute |
Melting and formation of glaciers have profound impact on sea level. Photo by R. Feldmann.
Rising sea levels continue to cause problems for residents of Venice. Photo by R. Feldmann. |
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EXPLORE CAREERS IN PALEONTOLOGYThe following links have more information about careers in paleontology:Paleontological Research Institute The Field Museum (Chicago) Society of Vertebrate Paleontology |
Fossil crabs were collected in reefs northwest of Barcelona, Spain. Barry van Bakel, Pedro Artal, Carrie Schweitzer, and Rod Feldmann. Photo by Pedro's amigo. |
