Undergraduate
Earth Sciences
What
could you do with a degree in geology?
Geological Science is a broad area of study which focuses on a
knowledge of the present Earth in order to interpret its history
and origin. Geologists study the structure and composition of the
Earth in order to locate natural resources, to give warnings of
natural disasters, to ensure the placement of buildings on firm
foundation, and simply to learn more about our natural environment.
Other geologists are involved in preserving and cleaning up the
environment.
Careers
Field geologists spend most of their time exploring. Other geologists
work in laboratories, museums and computer centers analyzing specimens
and data. Many geologists work in areas where there are large oil
or mineral deposits (Texas, California, Louisiana, Colorado, Oklahoma
or overseas). Construction and engineering firms employ geologists
to measure the depth of bedrock and predict the stability, strength,
and permanency of rock formation. Geologists work for:
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Bureau of Mines and Bureau of Reclamation
Petroleum and mining companies
Construction firms
Environmental companies
Colleges and universities
Research organizations
Consulting companies
Federal, state, and local government
Marketable skills Geology majors can learn:
How to plan programs to prevent floods and erosion
Use of computers to analyze data
Read the history of the Earth's crust by studying changes in rocks
and the scars left by erosion, glaciers, and volcanic eruptions
Explain the origin of natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon
Determine the distribution of rocks under the earth or ocean surface
by examining drill cores
Conduct geological surveys; measure and map the Earth's surface
and subsurface layers
Trace the flow of water and oil through rock
Determine earthquake-prone areas; predicting volcanic or earthquake
activity
Transferable
skills and personal traits geologists need on the job: Interpersonal
skills, team player, creative thinker, independent worker, interested
in advanced training and degrees, analytical and research skills,
written communication skills, perseverance, stamina, ability to
visualize.
Salary
Information: Salaries range greatly from one occupation, position,
and work setting to another. According to the July 1999 NACE national
salary survey for Bachelor's Degree Candidates: Geologists and Geological
Sciences candidates' salaries averaged $38,240 with a range of $25,000
to $52,800. Candidates with a Master's degree had average salaries
of $44,739 and Ph.D. candidates had average salaries of $54,043.
Career resources used to gather this information: U.S. Dept. of
Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, Careers in Science, VGM'S Career
Portraits: Science, Environmental Careers in the 21st Century, 100
Jobs in the Environment.
Educational Requirements
A strong high school foundation in the natural sciences (physics,
chemistry, biology, earth sciences), mathematics (analytic geometry
and calculus), and in communication skills (speaking and writing)
is essential.
Undergraduate Earth Science Degree Programs:
Geology
Environmental Sciences - Geology
Marine Geology
» For information on undergraduate programs, contact:
Maggie Puryear
Undergraduate Advisor
maggie_puryear@ncsu.edu | tel: 919-513-1093
|
