Career Resources in Geology

What are the Traditional Careers for Geologists?

The jobs that are traditionally available for those who graduate with a degree in Geology fall into the following major categories:

• energy industry (petroleum, coal, geothermal)
• environmental industry (consulting, remediation, preservation, restoration)
• construction industry (geotechnical consulting, civil engineering geology)
• mining (ore metals, stone, mineral resources)
• education (high school earth science, college/universities, museums)
• government (state and federal geological surveys, policy consulting)

What is the Appropriate Degree in Geology for My Career?

The Ph.D. degree is considered an academic degree and is more geared for teaching. A few people in the upper levels of industry have them, but most have a B.S. or M.S. degree. The more advanced degree you have, generally, the farther you will get promoted as with any career, but that becomes less important with more professional experience. The entry level degree for the environmental and geotechnical industries is typically a B.S. degree. Some larger firms want a M.S. degree. Some of our graduates who go directly into the environmental and geotechnical industries after receiving their B.S. degree, later go back (sometimes paid by their employer) for the M.S. to further their professional advancement. The entry level degree for the energy industry is typically a M.S. degree. Some of our alums work for the larger energy companies with Ph.D. degrees and work in more the research end of the business, less in exploration and production.

Geology Career Resource Links:

Dickinson College Career Center

Career Resources for Geology Majors 

Employment Opportunities for Geoscience and Geo-Engineering Professionals

Guide to Careers in the Geosciences

Guide to Geoscience Careers and Employers 

Portland State University Career Center and Internet Resources for Geology Majors

University of Boulder, CO, guide to careers and success in the geosciences

EarthscienceWorld guide to Geocience careers

Geological Society of America career resources page

Jobs in Geology and Earth Sciences

EcoEmploy.com: Environmental Jobs and Careers

Careers in the energy industry:

American Association of Petroleum Geologists

Oilcareers.com

Careers in paleontology:

Paleontological Research Institution

A career in Paleontology

Careers in Volcanology:

How to Become a Volcanologist

Careers in Seismology:

Seismological Society of America