Remember how much you loved playing with rocks when you were a kid? How about turning the love of exploring the earth and all its wonders (and rocks!) into a career as an adult?
What can you do with a Geology Degree?
With a Degree in Geology you can have an exciting and profitable career doing what you love! Geology is the study of the structure of the Earth. Geology studies the liquids and solids of the Earth, the rocks of our planet, and how they change over time. Casting a wider net, geology also studies the features of any terrestrial planet and natural satellite including (including the moon) so as better to understand the Earth’s past and to help predict its future.
Geologists may work in the following fields:
- mining
- mineral exploration
- petroleum exploration
- engineering geology
- environmental geology
- hydrology
- volcanology
- seismology
- paleontology
- geographic information systems
- landfill design
- military planning
- urban planning
- hazards mitigation
- legal field
- state and federal government
- research
- teaching
Is a Geology Degree hard?
No, earning a Degree in Geology is not difficult! Geology is a diverse and interdisciplinary field of study. From the hard sciences to social sciences, a degree in Geology has studies to interest everybody! Earning a degree in Geology can be found as Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs.
Getting a Degree in Geology
Associate Degree in Geology
An Associate Degree in Geology will cover a wide range of topics including:
- the history of life and its evolution
- mineral resources
- Earth dynamics (surface and sub-surface)
- tectonic processes
- environmental studies
- biological studies
An Associate degree prepares students to confidently enter the work force with a set of marketable skills. Students may also choose to further their education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology or another field of study.
Jobs with an Associate Degree in Geology
Geological Technician
Support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources. Median Annual Salary: $51,000.
Legal Assistant
Performs a variety of tasks to support lawyers. Median Annual Salary: $53,000.
GI Bill®-approved Schools Offering an Associate Degree in Geology
Ready to start your Associate Degree in Geology? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:
Offers an Associate of Science in Geology. College of the Redwoods has GI Bill approved programs and offers credit for military experience.
Offers an Associate of Science in Geology. College of Siskiyous has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam.
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Offers an Associate of Science Degree with a Paleontology Plan of Study.
Offers an Associate in Science in Geology. Moorpark College is a GI Bill® approved school and offers credit for military experience. Moorpark College is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
Offers an Associate in Science Degree in Geology. Pasadena City College has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Pasadena City College is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
Offers an Associate of Science in Geology. Scottsdale Community College has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Scottsdale Community College is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
Offers an Associate of Science-Geology Pathway. The University of North Georgia participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
Bachelor’s Degree in Geology
Geology is the study of the physical processes of the Earth. Geology students study the evolution of the Earth including its physical, chemical, and biological features. The study of Geology helps us to understand Earth, both as a physical system unto itself and as the foundation for all life on the planet.
With a Bachelor’s in Geology students will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety geological methods to better understand the Earth’s structure and evolution. Students will take courses in:
- field work
- rock description
- geophysical techniques
- chemical analysis
- physical experiments
- numerical modelling
A Bachelor’s Degree in Geology will provide students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education.
Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce and/or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.
Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology
Geoscientist
Study the physical aspects of the Earth. Most geoscientists split their time between working indoors (in offices and laboratories) and working outdoors. Median Annual Salary: $94,000.
Geological Engineer
Design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities. Median Annual Salary: $94,000.
Human Resources Manager
Plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. Median Annual Salary: $121,000.
GI Bill®-approved Schools Offering a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology
Ready to start your Bachelor’s Degree in Geology? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:
University of Colorado at Boulder
Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Geology. University of Colorado Boulder has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. University of Colorado Boulder is a MyCAA approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
Offers a Bachelor of Science in Geology. University of South Alabama has GI Bill approved program, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. University of South Alabama is a MyCAA approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
Offers a Bachelor of Science in Geology, BS in Geology (Environmental), and a BS in Geology (Professional). The University of West Georgia participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
GI Bill-approved Schools Offering an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Geology
Offers a fully online Bachelor’s in General Studies with a GeoSciences Concentration. Fort Hays State University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
Master’s Degree in Geology
A Master’s Degree in Geology is a popular choice for those seeking to become an expert in this field. Students are expected to choose at least one specialty field of study for their graduate work.
Geology students can choose from a wide range of specializations including:
- environmental geology
- structural geology
- petroleum geology
- paleontology
- marine geology
A graduate degree in Geology is also a great choice for those choosing to focus on research or teaching. For many students at this educational level, the aim of Geology has grown to become not just an educational endeavor but to ensure the future of our planet and humanity by understanding Earth’s past.
Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Geology
Hydrologist
Study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
Postsecondary Teacher
Instruct students in Geology courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
Author
Develop written content for various types of media on Geology topics. Median Annual Salary: $122,000.
GI Bill-approved Schools Offering a Master’s Degree in Geology
Ready to start your Master’s Degree in Geology? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:
University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg
Offers a Master of Science in Geology and a Bachelor of Science in Geology. The University of Southern Mississippi has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Southern Mississippi is a Yellow Ribbon school and a MyCAA approved school.
Is a Geology Degree worth it?
A Geology Degree is a great opportunity for any student with any career goal! Want to go extend your studies just a little and enter the workforce in a short period of time? An Associate Degree in Geology is a great opportunity to get a degree and a high paying job in a minimal amount of time. For those that enjoy being life-long students, Geology degrees are offered all the way through the doctoral level!
A Geology Degree is also ideal for those that enjoy a wide variety of work settings. From offices, to field work, to laboratories, and academia, the job opportunities for Geology students are diverse. Salaries for those with a Degree in Geology are excellent with the opportunity to earn six-figures plentiful. A Geology Degree will supply graduates with the opportunities for academic, career, and financial success. So yes, a Geology Degree IS worth it!
*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.
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