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Career Opportunities for Majors in Geological Sciences

Introduction

A geological sciences major seeks to understand the earth and its physical, chemical and biological evolution. The required core curriculum is suitable for most types of geological employment and for graduate study. The core can be supplemented with additional courses or joint majors leading to specializations such as geophysics, geological education, marine studies, and environmental geology.

The School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) offers a B.A. degree and the School of Environmental and Biological
Sciences (SEBS) offers a B.S. degree in Geological Sciences, with two options: Geology and Environmental Geology.  This major prepares students for a wide range of careers in industry, government and education. Many specialties require further graduate training either for career entry or advancement.

Although most graduates will find work in a related field, some may choose a career which does not require this specific major, but rather a wide range of demonstrated problem solving skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choice, increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades, undergraduate research and involvement in college activities.

 


A Sample of Related Occupations

Earth Science TeacherHydrogeologistSurveyor
EcologistNatural Resource ManagerTechnical Sales Rep
Environmental ConsultantNaturalistTechnical Writer
Environmental EngineerScience LibrarianWater Quality Specialist
GeologistSoil Scientist 


Types of Employers

Private & Nonprofit Organizations
Colleges and universitiesEnvironmental consulting firmsScientific journals
Energy industry (Petroleum, Coal, Natural Gas)Minerals industryTesting labs
Engineering consulting firmsNatural history museumsTravel/Tourism (ecotourism companies)
Environmental advocacy groupsPublic and private schoolsWaste management companies

Government Agencies
Bureau of ReclamationNJ Dept. of TransportationSoil Conservation Service
Forest ServiceNJ Geological SurveyUS Environmental Protection Agency
National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Admin.Office of Naval ResearchUS Geological Survey
NJ Dept. of Environmental ProtectionPeace Corps 


Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates

First Jobs of Recent Graduates 
Cartographic Aid, Soil Conservation ServiceGeologist, Woodward Clyde
Earth Science Teacher, Watchung School DistrictGeotechnician, Mellick and Tulley Engineering
Geologist, Lutz Environmental Co.Mass Spectrometer Specialist, VG/Fisons
Geologist, NJ DEP 

Jobs of Experienced Alumni (advanced degree information is not available for all alumni)
Attorney, Lord Day & Lord, Barrett Smith (JD)Professor of Geology, UCLA (PhD Geology)

Chair, Science Department, Bergen Catholic High School (MS)

Project Manager, Caxton Associates (BA Economics)
Coastal Geologist, Army Corps of EngineersProject Manager, Langan Engineering & Envir. Services (MS Geology)
Director, After School Program, Dawson School (MA Educ./Counseling & Guidance)

Research Geologist, Nordic Volcanological Center, Earth Science Institute, Univ. of Iceland (PhD)

Geologist, Chevron (PhD)

Research Scientist, Mobil Oil
Geophysicist, Raytheon Seismographic ServiceResearch Scientist, NJ Geological Survey (PhD)
Hydrogeologist, Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection

Research Scientist, University of Oregon (PhD)

President, Sampson International Ltd.Senior Hydrogeologist, BEM Systems
Petroleum Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey (MS)

Senior Research Geologist, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. (PhD)

Post-doctoral Scholar, College of Earth & Mineral Sciences, Penn. State (PhD)

Structural Geologist, Jet Propulsion Lab


Graduate Schools Attended

New York Law School, JD, Law

Rutgers University, PhD, Geology

Ohio State University, PhD, Geology

University of Nevada, M.Ed, Education/Counseling
Rutgers University, MS, GeologyUniversity of South Carolina, PhD, Geology

Additionally, you may:
 


 

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