Our society’s continuing demand for and management of natural resources assure the future need for well-qualified graduates in the geological sciences. The increasing need for solutions to problems created by pollution, geologic hazards, and other environmental factors has become a global problem. Further career opportunities are available through a variety of different sources.

Most employment in geoscience is offered by the private sector, particularly those industries involved in the exploration and production of energy and mineral resources. In fact, the petroleum industry is currently experiencing a period of growth and is actively seeking geologists for entry-level positions. Private environmental consulting firms also employ large numbers of geologists needed to evaluate present and future problems involving ground water supplies.

Geologists are also employed by federal and state governmental agencies who are concerned with issues such as the development of ground water and the solutions to a wide variety of environmental and engineering problems. Some of the agencies include the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Land Management, the Division of Water Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Energy.

Yet another important source of employment for those interested in the geological sciences are careers that combine a knowledge of geology with another area of expertise, such as secondary education, technical writing dealing with geology-related information, sales of technological and/or scientific equipment, or business management or public relations in geology-related industries. An additional advantage of these geology-related careers is that the requirements for employment are usually satisfied by the completion of a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in geology (unlike the previously listed technically-oriented careers, which usually require the completion of master's degree in geology), or a bachelor of arts degree in another area combined with an emphasis in geology.

The regions in which geology-related employment can be found are quite varied. Individuals specializing in petroleum or mining related geology usually will be working in the gulf coast region or in the mountainous areas of the western states. However, those individuals pursuing other applications in geology, such as the development of ground water resources or solutions to environmental problems, can find employment in a variety of regions.

Overseas employment also provides unique opportunities for those interested in pursuing their careers on an international level.

Program Links
  Overview of Undergraduate Program
  Nature of Geological Sciences
  Undergraduate Degree Programs
  Smith Scholarship
  Geology Program Description from University Catalog
  Geology Course Descriptions from University Catalog