Careers in Geological Science
Geology, geochemistry and geophysics are promising career fields. Some years ago, the energy shortage created a need for qualified geologists and geophysicists to lead the search for conventional and new sources of energy. Today, many geological scientists are engaged in environmental aspects, such as urban and rural planning, exploration for sources of fresh water and prevention of its pollution, discovery of non-energy related natural resources, study and protection of the Earth's surface, landfill closure, and analysis of photos and samples returned by spacecraft probing the moon and planets. In addition to having opportunities to join the more traditional agencies and industries, many graduates secure positions as secondary Earth Science teachers, college professors, or museum curators, or find careers in regulatory agencies, consulting firms, or exploration companies. Because geology is a truly interdisciplinary science, its career potential branches into all of the many related science fields.
The success rate of Geneseo students applying to graduate school is excellent - 60% of our majors have earned advanced degrees. Geneseo's Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, and Civil Engineering graduates have pursued advanced degrees at a variety of graduate institutions. Many of these graduates have received financial support in the form of fellowships or teaching assistantships. Geology graduates have been granted a Fulbright Scholarships to continue their studies at foreign institutions. Several other students have been hired by the United States Geological Survey to serve as interns.
Electives offered at Geneseo are more relevant in certain subdisciplines than others. The following is a helpful guideline for undergraduates to consider when choosing electives. An asterisk (*) denotes major employment areas of Geneseo graduates. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline and may not cover all situations.
Broadly Applicable to all Categories Below
- Technical Writing
- Geology Field Camp
- Remote Sensing - GIS
Petrology/Economic Geology/Mining (incl. Sand & Gravel Resources)
- Advanced Mineralogy and Petrology
- Geochemistry
- Isotope Geology
- Sedimentation/Glacial Geology
*Petroleum/Fossil Fuels
- Sedimentation
- Geochemistry/Isotope Geology
- Tectonics
- Geophysics
- Oceanography
Geochemistry
- Geochemistry
- Isotope Geology
- Advanced Mineralogy and Petrology
Geophysics
- Applied Geophysics
- Tectonics
- Glacial Geology
*Federal & State Geological Surveys (Includes Water Resources)
- Glacial Geology
- Groundwater Hydrology
- Geochemistry
- Isotope Geology
- Glacial Geology
- Sedimentation
- Tectonics
*Consulting/Engineering/Environmental Geology
- Groundwater Hydrology
- Geochemistry/Isotope Geology
- Glacial Geology
- Sedimentation
- Geophysics
- Environmental Geology/Environmental Science