Geoscience as a Career

All of us are enrolled in "Environmental Geoscience". But amidst our studies of space, geologic time, and rocks/minerals, have you taken a moment to think about what a career in geoscience would be like? If you have been enjoying the material that this class covers, then you might want to consider becoming a geoscientist. There are two types of geoscientists: geologists and geophysicists. Within these two divisions, there are numerous subspecialities, like paleontologists or mineralogists. Most geoscientists divide their time between field work and laboratory work. Fieldwork requires long hours and a lot of travel to meet clients, often in foreign countries. To become a geoscientist, getting a master's degree is recommended. A number of states also require a license. Geoscientists often begin their career as research assistants and work their way up to more difficult and independent projects. Overall job employment for geoscientists is expected to grow much fast than the average for other occupations, especially in the oil and gas extraction industry. According to the National Science Foundation, about 125,000 geoscientists work in the United States. Someday, you might add to this growing number!

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos288.htm

http://www.wou.edu/las/natsci_math/physci/geology/agi_brochure.htm