Overview
Geology is the study of the materials of which the Earth is made (rocks, minerals, water, oil, natural gas, and magmas), the structures that are produced (Earth layers, mountains, volcanoes, basins), the processes acting upon them (earthquakes, volcanism, landslides, floods, magnetic fields), and the evolution of Earth and its materials over time (Earth formation, early history, ice ages, and climate change).
Geology, Oceanography, and Paleontology courses are recommended for anyone interested in understanding and living with the natural world around us and in making informed decisions on matters pertaining to interactions between natural Earth processes and society.
Geology, an interdisciplinary science, requires expertise in chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, biology, and critical thinking. It requires skill in problem-solving, analysis, scientific inquiry, and communication.
An Associate degree in Geological Science prepares the student for transfer to a baccalaureate institution for a four-year degree in Geology (or oceanography, earth sciences, and environmental sciences). While some jobs are available for technicians with Associate degrees in Geological Science, a Bachelorʼs degree in Geology is a minimum requirement for employment in exploratory geology, minerals management, environmental consulting, geotechnical engineering, and research.
Geologists work in a variety of areas, including resource exploration and development (oil, gas, minerals, water, and more); environmental clean up and hazard mitigation; research (at academic institutions and government agencies); planning agencies (at all levels of government); ground stability assessment (for construction and development). Geologists are hired by nonprofits, private industry, academia, and government agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. and State Parks, E.P.A, NOAA, NASA, and the US Bureau of Reclamation. Geologists are also employed as teachers and professors at all levels of the educational system.
Specific career opportunities include engineering geologist, environmental geologist, geochemist, geology assistant, geophysicist, hydrologist, mining geologist, marine geologist, oceanographer, paleontologist, petroleum geologist, petrologist, seismologist, soils technician, teacher/professor, volcanologist, and waste management geologist.
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What kind of work are Earth Scientists doing?
- Predicting the behavior of Earth systems and the universe.
- Finding adequate supplies of natural resources, such as ground water, petroleum, and metals.
- Conserving soils and maintaining agricultural productivity.
- Developing natural resources in ways that safeguard the environment.
- Maintaining quality of water supplies.
- Reducing human suffering and property loss from natural hazards, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, and tsunamis.
- Determining geological controls on natural environments and habitats and predicting the impact of human activities on them.
- Defining the balance between society's demand for natural resources and the need to sustain healthy ecosystems.
- Understanding global climate patterns.
What skills are required? (or recommended)
- Strong foundational knowledge in physical sciences (including not just geology, but also chemistry and physics).
- Strong math skills (the higher the better -- Calculus minimum for most jobs)
- Flexibility -- especially in terms of location. There are lots of jobs if you're willing to move to find them!
- Independence
- Comfort with working outdoors (for field-based jobs, as opposed to lab-based jobs).
- Computer skills (modeling, databases, GIS -- all help)
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