Geology is the study of the earth – the structure, the materials, and its processes. Those who study geology study dozens of different topics including weather patterns, gemstones, rocks, earthquakes, minerals, oceanography, and natural energy. This is maybe not the first discipline that comes to mind when you think of a practical job or much needed scholarship, but it is an important science that touches many parts of current, modern day science and industry.
Those going to work in the environment, energy or weather industries can benefit from a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. Classes give a concrete foundation for a meaningful scientific career and include courses like:
- Global positioning system
- General geophysics
- Petrology and Laboratory
- Paleontology and Laboratory
- Environmental Geology
- Engineering Geology
- Ground-Water Hydrology
- Calculus
- Physics
Those who go into the study of geology are often intellectual, resourceful, science-minded, and see the big picture – but they are also usually very good at monitoring details and overseeing projects. They are often able to assimilate a lot of information – like the kind of scientific information that comes along with a geology degree – and streamline it to find solutions and evaluate possibilities.
The field of work that geology graduates tend to work in are not often just desk jobs – there is the need to be competent in data and analysis, but also usually a necessary component of field work, so it’s a great field for those who need variety in their work. Some specific roles that geology graduates go on to work in are often related to the earth, energy, and weather. These can include exploration and production, water supply, environmental engineering and geological surveying, or environmental safety. Other areas of work include environmental planning, hydrogeology and pollution control.
Some graduates work for companies that do research and work in:
- Oil, gas and petroleum
- Groundwater
- Civil engineering and construction companies
Salary Potential
Working in these fields often means working for companies or businesses that work to improve global situations or community environmental safety. Some also track weather patterns and ocean movements – for both the sake of scientific study, but also work on protection and wellbeing plans for the public in case of weather emergencies. Geoscientists, seismologists, and engineering geologists – all who work to reduce public hazards through the study of geology and environmental science – can earn an average of $82,000 a year, depending on their specific track and job.
While geology is not a go-to degree for some, it is a degree that can open many doors for bright, science minded individuals. It can also be a great way to find a meaningful job where someone can be involved in both the history and the current state of the environment, exploring and working to make it better for societies all over the world. The combined knowledge and specialized experience of geologists helps to create and build a stronger economy, better energy usage, safer atmosphere, more predictable weather, and healthier ecosystems. Earning a degree in geology can certainly move someone on to create lasting change.