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Geology

What can I do with a major in

Geology

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA and a BS in Geology.  Geology deals with the fundamentals of theoretical and applied geological sciences such as Geophysics, Geochemistry, Hydrogeology, Tectonics, Paleontology, and Sedimentary Geology.  Geologists conduct basic and applied research in the geological sciences and provide professional service to society.


Geology majors develop the following skills:


Communication:
developing and writing research proposals, reviewing scientific literature, summarizing research findings, informing/explaining/instructing, preparing technical reports

Computational and Mathematical: measuring distances/sizes/relationships, performing calculations, mathematical modeling, maintaining records, utilizing mathematical formulas

Investigation: defining a research problem, developing a research model, establishing hypotheses, gathering analyzing data, evaluating ideas, seeing relationships among factors, drawing meaningful conclusions, field sampling

Technical: designing equipment, identifying and classifying materials/specimens, observing data/things, establishing and controlling experimental designs, designing/using computer simulations, using instruments
 
Depending on your desired career path, additional skills may need to be developed.  Make an appointment with a career consultant to design your individual career development plan.

Build skills Beyond the Classroom

  • Join related clubs, professional associations, activities, and organizations
  • Read professional journals in the field
  • Find volunteer work in a related area
  • Find part-time employment in a similar area
  • Job shadow someone working in the field
  • Conduct an informational interview with someone working in this area of interest
  • Obtain an internship
  • Work with a mentor or alum.  Contact the Hawk to Hawk program at the KU Alumni Center.

Internship Websites

 

Employment Websites


Career Planning and Resources

Professional Associations

Sample Careers for Geology Majors 

Business

Skills in writing and analysis make Geology majors well suited for:

Career Options
Energy engineer
Field equipment specialist
Metallurgical and materials engineer
Petroleum engineer
Sales, technical equipment

Potential Employers

Engineering Firms
Field Equipment Vendors
Gas/Oil/Petroleum Companies
Geoscience Companies
Mineral Companies
Oil Field Service Companies


Research and Technical

Skills in research and analysis make Geology majors well suited for:

Career Options
Civil engineer
Computer engineer
Computer programmer
Construction consultant
Geophysicist
Environmental scientist
Instrument maker
Mathematical technician
Paleontologist
Particle physicist
Photographer
Research scientist

Potential Employers
Construction Companies
Engineering Firms
Environmental Organizations
Gas/Oil/Petroleum Companies
Geoscience Companies
Mineral Companies
Museums
Oil Field Service Companies
Science Laboratories
Urban Planning Agencies
 

Education and Government

Skills in research and communication make Geology majors well suited for:

Career Options
Cartographer
Mathematician
Nuclear engineer
Planetary scientist
Professor
Seismologist
Soil scientist
Special librarian

Potential Employers
Colleges/Universities
Environmental Organizations
Federal, State, & Local
Geological Surveys
Government Agencies
Government Support
Libraries
Organizations
Schools

Communications

Skills in communication make Geology majors well suited for:

Career Options
Educational television advisor
Information specialist
Newspaper science writer
System support representative
Technical writer

Potential Employers
Geological Surveys
Magazines/Science Journals
Newspapers
Radio/TV Agencies



 For information on these occupations


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University Career Center
The University of Kansas
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