Geosciences is a very diverse field. It includes the study of the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and atmosphere. Traditionally, geosciences are the study of the Earth and its deep-time history, however, they are also integral to our understanding of energy resources, critical mineral resources, climate-change science, oceanography, and planetary geology. Geoscientists monitor the quality of water resources and identify locations of mineral resources. They also help us understand natural disasters, such as flooding, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Geoscientists help identify regions where humans can safely build structures.
The Geosciences program at Colorado Mesa University is designed for students who desire a professional or technical geosciences career or plan to pursue graduate studies in Geosciences. Instruction takes place in a state-of-the-art science complex, which houses several instructional laboratories, a projects room, a computer-application lab, a petrology-mineralogy lab, a rock-storage facility, and a sample preparation room. Students are mentored by seven tenure-track professors and instructors. During their studies, students use equipment such as petrographic microscopes, binocular microscopes, computer-assisted x-ray diffractometers, drones, short-period and long-period seismometers, and a magnetometer. The Environmental Geosciences degree option places a stronger emphasis on geologic hazards, groundwater and surface-water hydrology, low-temperature geochemistry, biological systems, and environmental science. CMU also has many clubs and organizations that can help prepare students for advanced study in their field or build campus and community connections. The student geosciences club goes by the nickname CMU MavRocks and is found officially in the CMU lists of clubs as AAPG (American Association of Petroleum Geologists).
• Cartographer
• Climatologist
• Consultant
• Economic geologist
• Environmental geologist
• Environmental lawyer
• Forest ranger
• General manager of petroleum/mining
• Geochemist
• Geodynamicist
• Geophysicist
• Geologist
• GIS Analyst
• Scientific photographer
• Sedimentologist
• Seismologist
• Volcanologist
• Hydrogeologist
• Instrumentation technician
• Laboratory technician
• Meteorologist
• Mineralogist
• Mining engineer
• Stratigraphy
• Water quality control
• Remote sensing analyst
• National Park Service professional
• Natural resource manager
• Oceanographer
• Park naturalist
• Park ranger
• Peace Corps ranger
• Petroleum engineer
• Petroleum geologist
• Pollution control specialist
• Project manager
• Prospector
• Surveyor
• Technical writer
• Urban/regional planner
• U.S. Foreign Service worker
• Waste disposal specialist
• Well logging specialist
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
• Find energy resources such as oil and gas
• Find geothermal energy resources
• Find critical minerals
• Study natural hazards like landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions
• Study climate change and identify possible solutions
• Monitor water resources for water quality
• Analyze fossils and identify dinosaur bones
• Define research problems
• Develop research models
• Gather and analyze data
• Develop and/or write research proposals
• Consulting firms
• Department of Energy
• Energy-resource companies
• Engineering firms
• Environmental consulting companies
• Geosciences Education (secondary schools)
• Mining companies
• NASA
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association
• National Park Service
• Oceanographic institutes
• Peace Corps
• State Geological Surveys
• State Departments of Transportation
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Universities (post-secondary education)
• Water-resource agencies
Skills Needed by Geology majors:
• Curiosity
• Good verbal skills
• Good writing skills
• Strong math skills
• Strong computer skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong time-management skills
• Good organizational skills
• Lifelong learning skills
• Love of outdoors and outdoor ethics
• Strong interpersonal skills
Other Geosciences resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Use the A-Z index to select the occupation you are researching. •
- View OOH information on Archivists, Curators, and Museum Technicians
O*NET-Online: http://www.onetonline.org
The U.S. Department of Labor- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
My Future.com: https://myfuture.com/
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.
• Federal Government jobs
• Glassdoor
• Green Job Search
• I hire Environmental
• Indeed
• Oil and gas jobs—geology
Also check specific organizations and associations, such as the ones listed above, for job opportunities.