More Than Rocks

If you enjoy observing nature, collecting minerals and fossils, studying the environment, and applying the tools of math and science to the real world, the geosciences can provide you with a rewarding career that changes almost daily as new discoveries and insights are made.

Careers
Geosciences breaks down into three closely related but distinct tracks: Geologists study Earth's composition and its processes in order to understand its history and evolution; Geophysicists study Earth's internal composition, atmosphere, ground and surface water, and the magnetic, electrical and gravitational forces that affect the ongoing processes we see today; Oceanographers use geology and geophysics to study the world's oceans, including the chemical and physical processes that drive climate, weather, and coastal ecosystems.

Geoscientists spend time in the field and laboratory, but most days are spent in an office. Many practice environmental or resource law. Others work in the petroleum or natural gas exploration industry or in mineral extraction. Many geoscientists find work in hazardous waste remediation, hydropower generation and dam construction, ground water pollution control, and the geothermal energy industry. Many jobs in the geosciences require advanced degrees or training.

Employers
In addition to mineral extraction companies and the petroleum and natural gas industries, many geoscientists are professors (paleontologists, seismologists, volcanologists) or work for the federal government. Specific branches include the U.S. Geological Survey, the Department of the Interior and the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy. Geoscientists are also employed by the Environmental Protection Agency, state and local governments, and consulting and legal firms.

Salaries

Median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $47,600 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,820 and $62,400. The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$36,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $133,310.

Median annual earnings of geoscientists were $67,470 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $48,370 and $102,120. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,910,
and the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,040.

Median annual earnings of hydrologists were $56,530 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,080 and $70,160. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,790,
and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,620.

Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of environmental scientists in 2002 were as follows:

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2003 for graduates with bachelor's degrees in geology and the geological sciences
averaged about $ 32,828 a year; graduates with a master's degree averaged $ 47,981; graduates with a doctoral degree averaged $ 61,050.

Information from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Curriculum
The core program focuses on physical, chemical and structural aspects of geology and Earth history. Chemistry, physics, and math are essential elements of the curriculum and provide the foundation for a broad range of courses that emphasize the classic geological methods and topics including structural geology, mineralogy, stratigraphy, etc. Electives allow students to tailor their courework to emphasize particular interests that fit with their career goals-for example, geodynamics and plate tectonics, Earth system history, global change, or economics resources. A summer field school experience in the Rockies is required after the junior year.