Geoscience/Geology is the study of the earth, particularly the solid earth and its interaction with the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. Because of human dependency on the earth for raw material resources and energy needs, it is crucial to understand the dynamics and limitations of our planet, how it became what it is today, and how it is likely to evolve in the future. In addition, increasing human populations and advanced technologies are stressing Earth’s global environments in ways only dreamed of a few years ago.

What skills will I develop?

• Acute spatial and form perception
• Ability to solve qualitative problems
• Aptitude for accurate details
• Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and memorization
• Ability to conduct and explain scientific research
• Thorough knowledge of geological principles
• Ability to organize and present geological data

Career Options

Geologists work in such applied fields as water resources, soil conservation, earth material resources, land use planning, energy resource exploration, and engineering geology, as well as in specialties such as planetary geology, volcanology, marine geology, glacial geology, and global plate tectonics. Geologists with expertise in hydrogeology and contaminant fate and transport may work as environmental geoscientists employed by a variety of governmental and private organizations.