Geology
What Can I Do With A Major In Geology?
Geologists, geochemists, and geophysicists work to extend our knowledge of the earth's history, surface, and subsurface. They locate water, energy, and mineral resources, make land use planning decisions, conduct environmental assessments, participate in a broad range of soil to snow science, and conduct river research including erosion, flooding, and restoration.
Geological research and professional work combine field, lab, and computer skills. In preparation for that, geology students become scientifically literate and broadly educated with quantitative skills in the natural sciences. They use modern analytical equipment in the field and lab, develop solid computing skills, and learn how to operate modern hi-tech equipment. This education, and the attendant problem solving skills which are developed through the geology program, are a great preparation for survival and success in our society. Many geology majors exploit their broad-based science background to develop careers in the general hi-tech industry, far from applied geoscience.
In a world of stressed environmental systems, one with a rapidly expanding human population in the developing world, water, energy, and mineral resources are going to be increasingly valuable. Environmental remediation, river management, river restoration, recovery from natural disasters (and their prediction), and protection/remediation of water resources are going to be important economic components of our society. These areas are the domain of geoscientists, areas where we build our careers.
A Sample of Related Occupations
Types of Employers
Private and Non-profit Organizations
Land Use Organizations
Environmental Firms
Environmental Consulting
Minerals Companies
Conservation Groups
Water Resources Groups
Energy Firms
Government Agencies
US Geological Survey
Army Corp
CIA
National Park Service
Forest Service
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Land Management
FBI
National Research Labs
Related Web Links
Professional Associations
For additional career information, see the
Occupational Outlook Handbook
