Career Opportunities in Geology
What is Geology? |
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Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, including the materials that it is made of, the physical and chemical processes that occur on its surface, and in its interior, and the history of the planet and its life forms. |
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What do Geologists do? |
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Geology is a multi-faceted field with many different areas of specialization. Listed below are some of the more common ones: Earth Science Teachers: teach 'earth science' (a mixture of geology, oceanography and climatology) in junior and senior high schools. A teaching certificate from a professional education program is also normally required. Economic Geologists: explore for and help produce metallic (iron, copper, gold, etc.) and non-metallic (coal, granite dimension stone, limestone aggregate sand and gravel, etc.) rock and mineral resources of economic value. Engineering Geologists: investigate the engineering properties of rock, sediment and soil below man-made structures such as roads, bridges, high-rise buildings, dams, airports, etc. Environmental Geologists: study the environmental affects of pollution on ground and surface waters and surficial materials (rock, sediment and soil), and also recommend solutions to environmental problems. They are also interested in understanding, predicting and mitigating the effects of natural hazards, such as flooding, erosion, landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, etc. Geochemists: investigate the chemical composition and properties of earth materials, especially polluted ground and surface waters, fossil fuels (such as petroleum and coal) and other resources of economic value. Geology Professors: teach geology courses and conduct research in colleges and universities. Geomorphologists: study the origin and evolution of landscapes on the continental surfaces. Geophysicists: use the principles of physics to investigate the structure of the Earth's deep interior, explore for economic resources in the subsurface, and monitor pollution in ground water. Glacial or Quaternary Geologists: study the history of geologically recent (Quaternary period) glaciers as well as the sediment deposits and landforms they produced. Hydrogeologists: are concerned with water in the Earth's subsurface, including its sources, quality, abundance and movement. Hydrologists: are concerned with water on the Earth's surface, including its precipitation, evaporation and runoff, and its abundance and quality in streams and lakes. Marine Geologists: study the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the sediments deposited on the ocean floors and the rocks that underlie them. Mineralogists: investigate the origins, properties and uses of the minerals occurring within the Earth's rocks. Paleontologists: study the remains of ancient animals and plants (fossils) in order to understand their behaviors, environmental circumstances, and evolutionary history. Petroleum Geologists: explore for and help produce petroleum and natural gas from sedimentary rocks. Petrologists: study the origins and characteristics of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Sedimentologists: investigate the origins and characteristics of sediment deposits and the sedimentary rocks that form from them. Seismologists: are geophysicists who study earthquakes, both to better understand the physical processes involved and to interpret the deep internal structure of the Earth. Stratigraphers: investigate the time and space relationships among sedimentary and other rocks on local to global scales, and are also interested in the geochronology (absolute dating by radiometric methods) and fossil content of rock layers. Structural Geologists: study the folding, fracturing, faulting and other forms of deformation experienced by rocks below the Earth's surface, and are also interested in how these processes relate to global Plate Tectonics. Volcanologists: investigate volcanoes, especially their eruptions and deposits, in order to better understand physical processes involved and to predict volcanic eruptions. |
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Where do Geologists work and what do they get paid? |
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The principal employers of geologists are:
Annual salaries for geologists with a bachelor's degree are in the $74,000 and $126,000 range with a median annual wage of $92,040 (in 2019, according to the U.S. B.L.S.). According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is projected to spur demand for geoscientists." |
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How do I become a Geologist at UToledo? |
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Students with a broad interest in geology should pursue the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Geology, whereas those with interests in both environmental issues and geology may work toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science following the "Geology Track". Students with both kinds of bachelor's degrees are encouraged to pursue the Master of Science degree in Geology at UToledo in order to acquire expertise in an area of specialization and to prepare themselves for a specific geological discipline and a better-paying job. |
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