Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences

What Can You Do with a Geology & Earth Sciences Degree?

If you are looking for a degree that will allow you to develop crucial skills in all the sciences that are transferable to many other profitable fields of work, geological and earth sciences is a perfect choice. With the option to work in a laboratory, outdoors or even travelling the world, you could choose to specialize in pollution control, glacial geology, geological surveying, volcanology and many other rewarding fields of geoscience.

However, if you want to achieve a career in your chosen field, the minimum requirement is a geology undergraduate degree, although you may also choose to study for a Bachelor’s degree in geology, a Master’s or a PhD if you want to expand your career options further.

Keep reading to find out more about a career in the geosciences, plus, how to pick the right college to earn your degree.

Should I gain a geology and earth sciences major?

If you are passionate about the Earth’s structure and natural resources, and you want a career in which you can spend a lot of time out in the field conducting research, then this is the degree program for you.

Although not one of the hardest degree programs, studying geology and earth sciences do require physical stamina, strong analytical skills and of course, a love of science.

What can I do with a geology and earth sciences degree?

Offering a wide variety of rewarding roles, a geology and earth sciences degree will allow you to follow whatever aspect of earth science that you are most passionate about.

Here are a few of the most popular jobs that geology and earth science graduates can go into.

Geoscientist

A geoscientist engages in the exploration, discovery and development of natural resources such as gas, water and oil. There are several sub-specialties that you can choose from, including geochemist, geophysicist, and geologist.

The typical salary for a geoscientist in the United States is $92,040 per annum, with expected job growth of 5% between 2019 and 2029.

Mud Logger

Collecting and monitoring geological samples and data from sensors, mud loggers tend to work from mobile laboratories placed on rig sites. You need to have a proactive attitude towards health and safety and be able to lend onsite technical support in the case of equipment failure.

The average salary for the position of mudlogger in the United States is $40,965, with the salary range typically falling between $38,757 and $46,771.

Mine Geologist

As an underground mine geologist, you will plan and execute programs that accurately characterize and define the known economic mineralization in the underground mine. You will also develop and implement new programs to identify new economic mineralization.

The average salary of a mine geologist in the United States is $91,160, with an expected job growth of 4% between 2019 and 2029.

How do I choose the right college to study geosciences?

Although geology is not one of the most competitive industries in the world of science, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to choose a high-quality college that can support your learning and development goals.

As well as choosing a college that offers the area of expertise that you want to focus your studies on, you also need to consider other aspects of the college experience.

However, finding out the real story of campus life can be a challenge. At least, it was before CampusReel came along.

Providing you with the unique opportunity to watch over 15,000 student-made videos about campuses across the United States, you can explore what your preferred campuses are like and whether they are suited to your needs as a student.

Sign up for free today and start looking for the right college to earn your geology degree as early as tomorrow!