More Than Rocks

If you enjoy observing nature, collecting minerals and fossils, studying the environment, and applying the tools of math and science to the real world, the geosciences can provide you with a rewarding career that changes almost daily as new discoveries are made.

Careers
Geoscientists spend time in the field and laboratory, but most days are spent in an office. Many practice environmental or resource law. Others work in the petroleum or natural gas exploration industry or in mineral extraction. Many geoscientists find work in hazardous waste remediation, hydropower generation and dam construction, ground water pollution control, and the geothermal energy industry. Many jobs in the geosciences require advanced degrees or training.

Geosciences breaks down into three closely related tracks: Geologists study Earth's composition and its processes in order to understand its history and evolution; Geophysicists study Earth's internal composition, its atmosphere, ground and surface water, as well as the magnetic, electrical and gravitational forces that affect the processes we see today; Oceanographers use geology and geophysics to study the world's oceans, including the chemical and physical processes that drive climate, weather, and coastal ecosystems.

Employers
In addition to mineral extraction companies and the petroleum and natural gas industries, many geoscientists are professors (paleontologists, seismologists, volcanologists) or work for the federal government. Specific branches include the U.S. Geological Survey, the Department of the Interior and the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy. Geoscientists are also employed by the Environmental Protection Agency, state and local governments, and consulting and legal firms.

Salaries

2006-07 Salary Survey of Geologists in the Petroleum and Natural Gas industry.

Median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $56,100 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,840 and $74,480. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,670.

Median annual earnings of hydrologists were $66,260 in 2006, with the middle 50 percent earning between $51,370 and $82,140, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $42,080, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $98,320

Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of environmental scientists in 2006 were as follows:

Federal Government	$82,490
Engineering and architectural services	56,080
Management and public relations	57,280
Local Government	52,100
State Government	50,590

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2007 for graduates with bachelor's degrees in geology and the geological sciences averaged $38,336 a year a year; graduates with a master's degree averaged $ 41,100; graduates with a doctoral degree averaged $ 57,500.

Information from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Curriculum
The core program focuses on physical, chemical and structural aspects of geology and Earth history. Chemistry, physics, and math are essential elements of the curriculum and provide the foundation for a broad range of courses that emphasize the classic geological methods and topics including structural geology, mineralogy, stratigraphy, etc. Electives allow students to tailor their courework to emphasize particular interests that fit with their career goals—for example, geodynamics and plate tectonics, Earth system history, global change, or economics resources. A summer field school experience is required after the junior year.