What can I do with a major in Geology?
Geology is a major branch of the physical sciences and involves the study of the earth. Geology is divided into two main fields: physical geology (the study of earth matter and influencing forces) and historical geology (the history of the earth). Geology includes the study of rocks, soils, mountains, rivers, oceans, and caves. Study in geology also encompasses the exploration for and the production of mineral and energy resources. A few of the sub-branches of geology are meteorology, climatology, oceanography, geophysics, petrology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, mineralogy and geochemistry.
Related Occupations:
| Astronomer |
Biochemist |
Cartographer |
| Chemist |
Civil Engineer |
Curator |
| Environmental Scientist |
Geodesist |
Geographer |
| Geologist |
Geophysicist |
Hydrographer |
| Hydrologist |
Laboratory Technician |
Metallurgical Engineer |
| Metallurgist |
Meteorological Technician |
Mineralogist |
| Mining Engineer |
Nuclear Engineer |
Oceanographer |
| Paleontologist |
Petroleum Engineer |
Petrologist |
| Pharmacist |
Photogrammerist |
Physicist |
| Planetologist |
Seismologist |
Stratigrapher |
| Surveyor |
Technical Writer |
Possible employers of Geology majors:
| Petroleum Companies |
State / Federal Government |
| Colleges / Universities |
Mining Companies |
| Research Laboratories |
Consulting Firms |
| Railroads |
Marketing and Research Firms |
| Engineering Firms |
Construction Companies |
Skills important for Geology majors:
- Ability to work with people of varied backgrounds
- Acute spatial and form perception
- Ability to make appropriate decisions and to solve quantitative problems
- Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking and memorization
- Aptitude for accurate details
- Ability to conduct and clearly explain scientific research
- Physical stamina, good vision, and manual dexterity
- Thorough knowledge of geological principles and mathematics
- Ability to understand and use information derived from computers
Personal attributes important for Geology majors:
- Independent
- Desire intellectual growth
- Achievement-oriented
- Imaginative
- Enthusiastic for exploration, travel, and outdoor work
- Scientific minded
- Resourceful
- Patient
- Determined
- Dedicated
Related activities for Geology majors:
- Do an internship
- Serve as a student aide in a high school or college geology department
- Join a professional geological organization
- Work part-time or volunteer in a museum
- Attend geologically-related lectures, workshops or conferences
- Join a geology or archeological club
Print Resources:
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Careers in the Geosciences. (Pamphlet), American Geological Institute (ask for most recent edition).
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Chirico, JoAnn. Opportunities in Science Technician Careers. VGM Career Books, 1995.
-
Easton, Thomas. Careers in Science. VGM Career Books, 1996.
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Fanning, Odom. Opportunities in Environmental Careers. VGM Career Books, 1995.
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Future Employment Opportunities in the Geological Sciences. (Pamphlet), Geological Society of America (ask for most recent edition).
-
Geologists and Geophysicists. Pp. 109-111, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor, (latest edition).
-
Krueger, Gretchen. Opportunities in Petroleum Careers. VGM Career Books (latest edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- American Geological Institute
- American Association of Petroleum Geologists
- Society of Exploration Geophysicists
- Geological Society of America
- American Geophysical Union
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
