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Geology

Department of Marine, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences

Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

Geology is the study of the earth; individuals who work in the field study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. By using sophisticated instruments and analyses of the earth and water, geoscientists study the geologic past and present of the earth in order to make predictions about its future.

Geology majors are employed in engineering and management services for oil, gas, or metal mining companies. Graduates work as geologists, geophysicists, and oceonographers for the federal and state government. Some work as private consultants to industry.

Concentrations: Earth Systems History and Marine Science

Courses include:

Geology, Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Structural Geology, Marine Paleontology, Paleoecology

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Geology courses, and the degree audit shows the curriculum course requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

  • Computer Skills
  • Research and Data Analysis
  • Written Communication Skills

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Though course credit is not available for this experience through the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, you may or may not expect compensation from the employer.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

Geological Field/ Lab Technician Intern will perform a full range of laboratory procedures including, but not limited to: textural analyses using a rapid sediment analyzer, sieves, Coulter Counter, and pipette methods. Intern will use computers to determine size distributions and generate the necessary plots and statistics. Intern will perform field work at sea including geological and geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys. Intern also procures and mobilizes sampling equipment for field work and maintains a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles Sample Work Settings
Entry-Level Geoscientist Environmental Consulting Firm
Petroleum Geologist Oil & Gas Industry
Oceanographer Research Organization
Geochemist University/College
Mineralogist Bureau of Mines
Paleontologist Museum

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

  • Environmental Geologist
  • Petroleum Geologist
  • Mining Geologist

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 52,770
From National Asso. of Colleges & Employers-2009

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

NC State Geology Club
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Edward Stoddard, 515-7939, skip_stoddard@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

Links to Related Resources

 

Next Steps

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Last updated: 2nd of September, 2009 at 11:03:55 AM

 
 
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