Geology
What Can You Do with a Degree in Geology?
Overview
Geologists are employed in a wide range of sub-disciplines (e.g., environmental consulting, natural hazard mitigation, civil engineering, energy resources, mining minerals required for green tech and carbon-neutral technology, teaching at the high school and college level, research) that all have strong job prospects.
Geologists are highly-sought for environmental work because they can become licensed Professional Geologists (P.G.), who are essential for securing contracts and certifying plans for environmental projects.
Concentrations:
Secondary Education (Earth/Environmental Science)
Environmental Geology
Paleontology
Quantitative Geoscience
Related Career Titles
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Geologist
Environmental Lawyer*
Geologist
Geophysicist*
Geo-Technical Engineer
Hydrologist
Laboratory Technician
Materials Analyst
Meteorologist *
Microscopist
Mining Engineer*
Oceanographer*
Paleontologist*
Petroleum Engineer*
Petroleum Geologist
Pollution Control Specialist
Soil Scientist
Structural Geologist
Water Quality Control Technician
*additional experience or advanced degree may be required
Employers of AppState grads
AECOM
Active Minerals
Anchor QEA
Antea Group
Arcadis Design and Consultancy
Bechtel Corporation
Biomason Inc
Brooks Engineering Associates
Cardno
Celguard
CH2M Hill
Chevron
Classic Automotive
Dow-Corning
Ecs Limited
Ensafe
Exxon-Mobil
Groundwater and Environmental Services, Inc.
Golder Associates
GROUND Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Gemological Institute of America
Halliburton
Isagenix
National Weather Service
NC Department of Transportation
NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation
N.C. State Government
Northwest Geoscience
Parallon
Peak Hydrogeological PLLC
Piedmont Lithium Limited
Sevier Solid Waste Inc
Spangler Environmental, Inc.
Spectrum Labs
Terracon
URS
US Geological Survey and state geological survey units
W&T Offshore
WithersRavenel
High schools, colleges and universities
Graduate Schools
Appalachian State University
Clemson University
Florida State University
Kansas State University
Utah State University
Professional Organizations and Associations with AppState Student Members
The Geological Society of America
Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists
American Geophysical Union
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
The Paleontological Society
Mineralogical Society of America
Preparing for Your Career
• Develop excellent interpersonal skills to work with diverse populations
• Look for internships and jobs in to gain knowledge and experience
• Participation in internships and summer jobs in a relevant setting
How can I know if a Geology degree is right for me?
• Go to earth.appstate.edu/prospective-students
• Complete a self-assessment inventory at the Career Exploration Office in the Student Union to see how your interests, values, and personality match this major and related career fields.
• Schedule an appointment with a career counselor on careers.appstate.edu/Handshake
• Talk to a professor in the Geological and Environmental Sciences Department
For more information on careers & job outlook, visit the American Geosciences Institute website or this Geological Society of America document.