Geology is a broad field in earth sciences. Geologists can specialize in a particular area of earth science, such as geophysics and petrology. Broader areas of study such as geo-environmental studies and marine geology combine several science disciplines, with a strong geology base. Geologists work in many industries, including in the oil and gas industry, analyzing natural resources such as minerals and oil, studying the interaction of earth systems and providing an understanding of how the earth works.
Undergraduate
A geologist's training begins in a college program for earth science, geoscience or geology. Undergraduate courses cover many areas of geology, such as mineralogy, groundwater resources, meteorology and seismology. Geology students also need to study statistics, calculus, chemistry and physics, as these maths and sciences are used extensively throughout geology studies. As a geology undergrad, it's advisable to apply for an internship. You would ideally want to work in a geology department or job that is geared towards a specialty that you're interested in. Geologists with an undergraduate degree can find jobs as mudloggers -- who work with natural resource companies to test soil samples -- or as technicians and geological trainees, who work hands-on under experienced geologists.
Graduate
Graduate geology programs, whether at the master's or PhD level, focus more on specialization than an undergraduate degree. Geology specializations include marine geology, mineralogy, petrology, climatology and paleontology. Graduate student geologists may go through internships for experience or assist professors with teaching and research duties in their chosen specialty. Graduate student geologists spend time in the field, learning sampling and analytical techniques on different types of natural resources.
Jobs and Salaries
Geologist jobs in the oil, mining and gas industries rise and fall based on the natural commodities market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, geologist jobs are expected to grow 18 percent between 2008 and 2018. Job openings may outstrip the number of qualified geologists in this time frame. The median salary for a geologist, as of 2008, was $79,160. The highest salaries are found in the oil and gas industry, while the lowest are in state government.
Licensing
A geologist can become a licensed geologist after several years of experience. Geologists are licensed by a state board, and specific requirements vary from state to state. For example, in Washington a geologist must graduate from a geology or related degree program, have five years of geology work experience and receive a passing grade in the National Association of State Boards of Geology examination. Some job positions require a geologist to be licensed, and many jobs pay a higher salary for a licensed geologist over an unlicensed geologist.
