Geologists study Earth’s formation, processes, and history, with careers in petroleum, engineering, and mineral geology. To choose a program, decide on a geological area of interest, make a list of criteria, and consult resources. Visit schools, apply, and evaluate before making a final decision. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some entry-level positions, but most require a master’s degree and a strong knowledge of related subjects.
A geologist works with rocks and fossils to learn about Earth’s formation, processes, and history. In addition to the Earth’s surface, its composition, atmosphere, oceans and forces are studied. Fields of geology careers include petroleum geology, engineering geology, and mineral geology, in which oil and gas, electrical forces, and minerals respectively are analyzed. Geology programs vary by college and are geared towards a specific focus in geology.
There is no direct way to find the best geology programs, although there are a plethora of resources available, including books, the Internet, and others who have earned a degree in geology. Future geologists should talk to anyone they know who went to geology school for advice on narrowing down the best geology programs. Forums can be found on the Internet that provide discussions of these programs and geology lessons. Also, almost any geology college is searchable on the Internet.
The first step in choosing the best geology program is to decide which geological area is most attractive, such as rocks, minerals, fossils or oceans, among other things. This will allow for more focused research in geology programs. Next, make a list of criteria that a geology college should meet, including considerations such as price, location, size, ranking, and faculty-to-student ratio. This will further define the list of schools from which a decision will be made.
Then, consult the available resources for choosing geology programs. Use different types of sources, as each will rank schools differently. Use the criteria list to rule out schools that don’t fit. Compile a list of those that fit and research each school individually. Visit the sites and gather as much information as possible about the geology programs offered at each.
After a virtual visit, make real visits to schools that are seriously attractive right now. If they are too far away to visit, call and speak with faculty and staff who interact directly with geology programs and request a video tour of the campus. Now, apply to the schools that seem most suitable. After listening to each school’s responses, carefully evaluate all the schools that have accepted you before making a final decision. Review financial aid packages, geology courses, and student testimonials before making your choice.
Some entry-level positions are available in geology with a bachelor’s degree, but most require a master’s degree. Geology programs often require courses such as environmental science, seismology, mineralogy, structural geology, and oceanography. Strong knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering is also essential for a career as a geologist.
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