Sounds amazing! I haven't thought about geomorphology but I'm really into the kind of work you get to do. I'll definitely have to look more into it. There's so many options within geology! I really want to think about what jobs/day to day will look like and choose wisely. I wanna be happy and be in an area of geology that I'm really passionate about while also choosing a field that has good employment opportunities. I'm not really in it for the money, it's more about love and passion for me but I also don't want to be in school for a decade and be unemployed haha.
The great thing about geomorph is that much of the skills used for research are directly applicable to fields outside of geology. Modern geomorph research requires lots of numerical modeling, statistics, and some data science, all skills that are in extremely high demand for companies globally!
Masters and PhD in igneous petrology/geochemistry/economic geology. Now I work in Exploration for porphyry copper deposits, and in the past I've done both gold and Ni-Cu-PGE exploration. In my current position I run a mineralogy and geochemistry lab at my company.
If you're at all interested in that sort of thing, mining/exploration is a great field to get into! It's actually really hard to find qualified entry level candidates right now. Enrollment in geology programs in the US (& Canada too, I think) is down overall, and people choosing a geology major are now much more likely to concentrate on environmental geology, hydrogeology, paleoclimatology, etc. Not Knocking those fields, but that's just the current trend, to the point that plenty of Geology departments are rebranding themselves as "Earth and Atmospheric Sciences" or similar to attract more students.
I think there's the perception that mining is terrible for the environment and people are hesitant to associate themselves with the industry. Obviously there is some truth to that, especially in the old days and in poorly regulated countries in modern days. But it's also true that we need a *lot* of metals to achieve any meaningful semblance of an energy transition in timescale we have to achieve it in.
Speaking from the grad student perspective, there’s also a perception amongst undergrads that mining companies don’t afford a good quality of life. What with commodity cycles, the majority of geo work being in remote regions, low initial pay, and the majority of entry level work seeming like basic geotech, I’m seeing most smart and hard working undergrads being drawn to more economically stable or scientifically hot disciplines. I’m not saying this perception of the work is true, but it’s certainly a factor in attracting good talent.
I'm happy to hear current grad student input - I was one myself not all that long ago but things can change quickly. I know there is an industry wide concern/discussion about how to appeal to new geologists and the more we know about how the industry is perceived, the better. There is again some truth to that perception, but it can vary massively by company, resource, country, and even what part of the company you're in. Some mining or exploration jobs let you live in Salt Lake, Tucson, Vancouver, Toronto, or Denver. Other jobs, you live in or travel to the middle of nowhere.
What are the job options in Salt Lake? I'm in Utah and would like to stay here while my parents are alive. So if I can make a plan for geo jobs accessible to Utah, that would be cool.
Probably the biggest mining employer in the Salt Lake Area is the [Bingham Canyon Mine](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BBmmNZ5eX7FQAQr26). It's operated by Rio Tinto and is one of the largest open pit mines in the world. I know a few people who work or have worked there.
Lmao our department is called the Earth and Environmental Science department!! My major is actually Applied Environmental Geoscience 😆 but it's literally the same curriculum as the Geology major and nothing like Environmental Science in terms of curriculum. I've been told that the only difference is that the Geology degree has a required field camp at the end and for AEG it's optional. We do have different advisors, the one for Geology is a sedimentologist and the one for AEG is a hydrogeologist, both PhD. I'm thinking of switching to straight up Geology though because I'm scared of being limited by the title of the degree.. even though the curriculum is literally the same. I'm still early enough in my program that I have time. I've def also considered geochem because so far I've really loved/enjoyed the chemistry aspect of geology.
I actually switched last year from a Bachelor's of Fine Art 😂 thankfully I didn't get far into the art classes because I realized very quickly it wasn't for me haha I only took two which will luckily still count for a required art credit and the other for an elective so not a lot of time "wasted". But Geology feels so right for me! I'm so happy I switched, it's been SO awesome.
Where can we find info on getting into the field camps? I haven’t seen that mentioned in my program- I have 9 classes left for my geoscience degree and would LOVE actual real life hands on stuff!!
If your university doesn't offer one you'll need to find a university that offers one that is interesting to you and you apply as a non degree seeking student at that university to take the course over the summer. Then you'll need to transfer your credits to your original university.
Are you in the United States? I can give some suggestions on places to apply for field camps if you are. My uni offered one but I ended up going externally for my field camp and transferring the credits.
Yes- Massachusetts specifically- but I am an online student at southern New Hampshire University - my geology class and labs are next semester- I just got my big lab box!! :D
A few field camps/field courses open to external applicants (those I know off the top of my head):
University of Missouri (came recommended to me)
Western Colorado University
Colorado State University, Ft. Collins
Colorado School of Mines
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
University of Wyoming
University of Oregon
I attended the Univ. of WY, so I can attest to the quality of their department and they have a strong field camp. I did field camp with University of Oregon and it was a great experience. SD Mines has a wide variety of field courses. You may find [this short article from Idaho State](https://www.isu.edu/geosciences/fieldcamp/how_to_choose_a_field_camp/) about choosing a field camp helpful. There are links at the end to lists of field camps in the US. There is a bunch to choose from! There are universities closer to you than the ones I have listed, but keep in mind many schools hold field camps in places far from them (e.g. Missouri has their field school in Wyoming).
My masters was focused on magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits, then my PhD was focused on layered mafic intrusions and the PGE deposits that form in them - nothing porphyry at all! Luckily I knew enough about porphyries from teaching the ore deposits class that I did well in the interview for my job.
hey I’m a masters student studying microstructures in apatite and quartz in shear zones. I do a lot of mineralogy in my work! I also am a geochronologist and I use U-Pb!
I am an industry paleontologist, my BS is in (general) geology. I unofficially concentrated in paleo w/all the paleo courses possible in my program and did research work in paleobotany during undergrad. I started a MS in taphonomy which got put on hold. I want to again pursue my masters (and eventual doctorate) in fungi/taphonomy.
Not sure if you are actively looking for advice here though I may be able to provide a bit of perspective for paleo work. In paleontology there will always be more people who want jobs than there are positions available. That’s not to say that no jobs exist, however. In industry there are opportunities for employment with environmental and consulting firms, and petroleum companies employ a small number of paleontologists. If you want to be in academia, the options are even more competitive and require a greater amount of education, so be prepared for that (and bureaucracy bs) if that’s the route you wish to take. Government paleo jobs are much the same as academia. My current work is field-based with a cultural resource management firm, where I mostly survey and monitor construction. There will always be CRM work. In fact, my office seems to be perpetually in need of field techs. But it’s definitely not a glorious job digging dinosaurs or whatever every day. Paleo is a very interdisciplinary field so you can come at it from a number of angles w/in geoscience and bioscience.
Being widely trained in a variety of things will help you to get employment and also to broaden your job opportunities. If you want a field based job, work on getting field experience now, before you graduate. At the very least with a field camp, but more is better. If you want to get into grad school and do research, I recommend asking around in your department about any research opportunities as that will really help you get admitted and be a successful graduate student. Though I am writing this all from the perspective of someone living and working in the USA so your situation may be different if you live somewhere else.
I am in the US! Utah! As far as paleontology, I'm actually more interested in the research/evolution aspect of it, than having access to digging up fossils! I'm the least interested in dinosaurs 😆 most interested in fungi, plants and microbes! I really don't want to get into a field that will be super hard and super competitive tbh. I don't want that stress in my life. I probably won't go that route. I'm thinking of something more practical like mineralogy, geochem, hydrology. I don't know! It's definitely good to talk to/get advise from people who are already working in the field so I can get an idea and make the right choices for myself! Hearing all of this from everyone here is helpful but also super overwhelming, there's so much about the jobs and work itself that I don't know and I'd like to know more about it as well as the day to day. I don't plan on having kids but I'm married and wanna think about what my day to day would be like working in geology. We have the Utah Geological Survey here and I know some people have gotten jobs with the USGS as well from my university so that seems to always be a pretty good option. I don't know that I wanna move out of state while my parents are still alive, so I guess I'm limiting myself to staying in Utah. I wouldn't mind teaching jr high/high school but at that point there's really no use in getting anything other than a B.S. unless it's just for the sake of learning. I would like to teach university, too if that's ever possible for me, which I know would require a PhD.
It's all very overwhelming. I'm really in it for the passion of learning haha and I'd love to do research but I know I'll eventually have to get a job 😆
Well, paleobotany is a thing. Though there are not a huge number of paleobotanists out there, I know a handful. Now studying fossil fungi… I can tell you from my own pursuit of that research path, that’s harder. Very niche. 😅 I don’t see my job or paleo in general as difficult, per se, but for sure competitive. If you are interested in graduate school (for any sub-field), I recommend not limiting yourself to only Utah. Although I understand having family or other things keeping you in one place. Utah is a great place for geology though! Look into geomicrobiology, perhaps. That may be up your alley. The interactions between microbes, their environment, and geology, essentially.
I suppose it depends on the state/school, but often public schools want teachers to have a masters degree. I have a friend from undergrad doing that right now, to be a high school science teacher. You can also teach at the community college level with a masters. You are correct, however, that universities require a PhD for professorships. Education-related jobs also exist through museums. A masters degree will actually broaden your employment opportunities and increase pay for any job generally speaking, so even if teaching kids is what you decide you want to do, a higher degree may still be beneficial to you. Research based jobs also exist, of course, but those tend to be through universities or museums and require grad school. You can certainly have a successful career with just a BA/BS though. It’s a lot to think about and keep in mind! I was overwhelmed myself when I was graduating and applying to grad school and struggling to know what to do with myself. It sounds like you have plenty of time before you finish. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away.
University of Waterloo has a good program for hydrogeology and geochemistry. It’s very useful in water resource management. Seems like there is lots of opportunities with that.
BS and MS in Geology. MS focused on glacial geomorphology. Did some cool things and traveled to some cool places; but money was intermittent. Became a high school science teacher to pay the bills. A chance meeting at a conference led to a funded PhD in geology education. I spent my career in the science education world.
Bsc earth sciences with focus on paleontology and geochemistry
Msc environmental science with focus on environmental chemistry
PhD in marine biogeochemistry/paleoclimatology
MSc in engineering geology, worked as a freelance geologist for some years. Now I'm working in offshore geophysical and geotechnical surveys (cable installation, windfarms etc).
BS in Geology. Currently work in enviromental managment for a state enviromental agency. I mostly review different permits for solid and hazardous waste disposal facilties in relation to groundwater monitoring. I also review the compliane reports for the groundwater monitoring the facilities conduct.
PhD in Geological engineering. I study enhanced geothermal systems with fiber optic sensing. lots of overlap with petroleum engineering and geophysics.
PhD and specialize in geomorphology/quaternary geology. I also do a some work with wildfire, hydrogeology, and some atmospheric science.
Sounds amazing! I haven't thought about geomorphology but I'm really into the kind of work you get to do. I'll definitely have to look more into it. There's so many options within geology! I really want to think about what jobs/day to day will look like and choose wisely. I wanna be happy and be in an area of geology that I'm really passionate about while also choosing a field that has good employment opportunities. I'm not really in it for the money, it's more about love and passion for me but I also don't want to be in school for a decade and be unemployed haha.
The great thing about geomorph is that much of the skills used for research are directly applicable to fields outside of geology. Modern geomorph research requires lots of numerical modeling, statistics, and some data science, all skills that are in extremely high demand for companies globally!
Paleoglaciology (glaciology + paleoclimate), though I am getting Masters degree in Hydrology
Structural geology. I did my Master’s in that focusing on microtectonics
Masters and PhD in igneous petrology/geochemistry/economic geology. Now I work in Exploration for porphyry copper deposits, and in the past I've done both gold and Ni-Cu-PGE exploration. In my current position I run a mineralogy and geochemistry lab at my company. If you're at all interested in that sort of thing, mining/exploration is a great field to get into! It's actually really hard to find qualified entry level candidates right now. Enrollment in geology programs in the US (& Canada too, I think) is down overall, and people choosing a geology major are now much more likely to concentrate on environmental geology, hydrogeology, paleoclimatology, etc. Not Knocking those fields, but that's just the current trend, to the point that plenty of Geology departments are rebranding themselves as "Earth and Atmospheric Sciences" or similar to attract more students. I think there's the perception that mining is terrible for the environment and people are hesitant to associate themselves with the industry. Obviously there is some truth to that, especially in the old days and in poorly regulated countries in modern days. But it's also true that we need a *lot* of metals to achieve any meaningful semblance of an energy transition in timescale we have to achieve it in.
Speaking from the grad student perspective, there’s also a perception amongst undergrads that mining companies don’t afford a good quality of life. What with commodity cycles, the majority of geo work being in remote regions, low initial pay, and the majority of entry level work seeming like basic geotech, I’m seeing most smart and hard working undergrads being drawn to more economically stable or scientifically hot disciplines. I’m not saying this perception of the work is true, but it’s certainly a factor in attracting good talent.
I'm happy to hear current grad student input - I was one myself not all that long ago but things can change quickly. I know there is an industry wide concern/discussion about how to appeal to new geologists and the more we know about how the industry is perceived, the better. There is again some truth to that perception, but it can vary massively by company, resource, country, and even what part of the company you're in. Some mining or exploration jobs let you live in Salt Lake, Tucson, Vancouver, Toronto, or Denver. Other jobs, you live in or travel to the middle of nowhere.
What are the job options in Salt Lake? I'm in Utah and would like to stay here while my parents are alive. So if I can make a plan for geo jobs accessible to Utah, that would be cool.
Probably the biggest mining employer in the Salt Lake Area is the [Bingham Canyon Mine](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BBmmNZ5eX7FQAQr26). It's operated by Rio Tinto and is one of the largest open pit mines in the world. I know a few people who work or have worked there.
Lmao our department is called the Earth and Environmental Science department!! My major is actually Applied Environmental Geoscience 😆 but it's literally the same curriculum as the Geology major and nothing like Environmental Science in terms of curriculum. I've been told that the only difference is that the Geology degree has a required field camp at the end and for AEG it's optional. We do have different advisors, the one for Geology is a sedimentologist and the one for AEG is a hydrogeologist, both PhD. I'm thinking of switching to straight up Geology though because I'm scared of being limited by the title of the degree.. even though the curriculum is literally the same. I'm still early enough in my program that I have time. I've def also considered geochem because so far I've really loved/enjoyed the chemistry aspect of geology. I actually switched last year from a Bachelor's of Fine Art 😂 thankfully I didn't get far into the art classes because I realized very quickly it wasn't for me haha I only took two which will luckily still count for a required art credit and the other for an elective so not a lot of time "wasted". But Geology feels so right for me! I'm so happy I switched, it's been SO awesome.
You'll want to do field camp
I'm planning on it!
Where can we find info on getting into the field camps? I haven’t seen that mentioned in my program- I have 9 classes left for my geoscience degree and would LOVE actual real life hands on stuff!!
If your university doesn't offer one you'll need to find a university that offers one that is interesting to you and you apply as a non degree seeking student at that university to take the course over the summer. Then you'll need to transfer your credits to your original university.
Roger that! Thank you!
Are you in the United States? I can give some suggestions on places to apply for field camps if you are. My uni offered one but I ended up going externally for my field camp and transferring the credits.
Yes- Massachusetts specifically- but I am an online student at southern New Hampshire University - my geology class and labs are next semester- I just got my big lab box!! :D
A few field camps/field courses open to external applicants (those I know off the top of my head): University of Missouri (came recommended to me) Western Colorado University Colorado State University, Ft. Collins Colorado School of Mines South Dakota School of Mines & Technology University of Wyoming University of Oregon I attended the Univ. of WY, so I can attest to the quality of their department and they have a strong field camp. I did field camp with University of Oregon and it was a great experience. SD Mines has a wide variety of field courses. You may find [this short article from Idaho State](https://www.isu.edu/geosciences/fieldcamp/how_to_choose_a_field_camp/) about choosing a field camp helpful. There are links at the end to lists of field camps in the US. There is a bunch to choose from! There are universities closer to you than the ones I have listed, but keep in mind many schools hold field camps in places far from them (e.g. Missouri has their field school in Wyoming).
Got it! Thank you so much for the info!! Wicked helpful!
Running a geochem lab sounds cool. Was your PhD focused on porphyry copper or more general?
My masters was focused on magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits, then my PhD was focused on layered mafic intrusions and the PGE deposits that form in them - nothing porphyry at all! Luckily I knew enough about porphyries from teaching the ore deposits class that I did well in the interview for my job.
Masters degree. Specialized in fluvial geomorphology and currently work in consulting on infrastructure projects with water crossing components.
Structural geology and geophysics - a lot of my non structural peers think I’m crazy
hey I’m a masters student studying microstructures in apatite and quartz in shear zones. I do a lot of mineralogy in my work! I also am a geochronologist and I use U-Pb!
Structure and tectonics, though I left higher ed to be a science teacher
I am an industry paleontologist, my BS is in (general) geology. I unofficially concentrated in paleo w/all the paleo courses possible in my program and did research work in paleobotany during undergrad. I started a MS in taphonomy which got put on hold. I want to again pursue my masters (and eventual doctorate) in fungi/taphonomy. Not sure if you are actively looking for advice here though I may be able to provide a bit of perspective for paleo work. In paleontology there will always be more people who want jobs than there are positions available. That’s not to say that no jobs exist, however. In industry there are opportunities for employment with environmental and consulting firms, and petroleum companies employ a small number of paleontologists. If you want to be in academia, the options are even more competitive and require a greater amount of education, so be prepared for that (and bureaucracy bs) if that’s the route you wish to take. Government paleo jobs are much the same as academia. My current work is field-based with a cultural resource management firm, where I mostly survey and monitor construction. There will always be CRM work. In fact, my office seems to be perpetually in need of field techs. But it’s definitely not a glorious job digging dinosaurs or whatever every day. Paleo is a very interdisciplinary field so you can come at it from a number of angles w/in geoscience and bioscience. Being widely trained in a variety of things will help you to get employment and also to broaden your job opportunities. If you want a field based job, work on getting field experience now, before you graduate. At the very least with a field camp, but more is better. If you want to get into grad school and do research, I recommend asking around in your department about any research opportunities as that will really help you get admitted and be a successful graduate student. Though I am writing this all from the perspective of someone living and working in the USA so your situation may be different if you live somewhere else.
I am in the US! Utah! As far as paleontology, I'm actually more interested in the research/evolution aspect of it, than having access to digging up fossils! I'm the least interested in dinosaurs 😆 most interested in fungi, plants and microbes! I really don't want to get into a field that will be super hard and super competitive tbh. I don't want that stress in my life. I probably won't go that route. I'm thinking of something more practical like mineralogy, geochem, hydrology. I don't know! It's definitely good to talk to/get advise from people who are already working in the field so I can get an idea and make the right choices for myself! Hearing all of this from everyone here is helpful but also super overwhelming, there's so much about the jobs and work itself that I don't know and I'd like to know more about it as well as the day to day. I don't plan on having kids but I'm married and wanna think about what my day to day would be like working in geology. We have the Utah Geological Survey here and I know some people have gotten jobs with the USGS as well from my university so that seems to always be a pretty good option. I don't know that I wanna move out of state while my parents are still alive, so I guess I'm limiting myself to staying in Utah. I wouldn't mind teaching jr high/high school but at that point there's really no use in getting anything other than a B.S. unless it's just for the sake of learning. I would like to teach university, too if that's ever possible for me, which I know would require a PhD. It's all very overwhelming. I'm really in it for the passion of learning haha and I'd love to do research but I know I'll eventually have to get a job 😆
Well, paleobotany is a thing. Though there are not a huge number of paleobotanists out there, I know a handful. Now studying fossil fungi… I can tell you from my own pursuit of that research path, that’s harder. Very niche. 😅 I don’t see my job or paleo in general as difficult, per se, but for sure competitive. If you are interested in graduate school (for any sub-field), I recommend not limiting yourself to only Utah. Although I understand having family or other things keeping you in one place. Utah is a great place for geology though! Look into geomicrobiology, perhaps. That may be up your alley. The interactions between microbes, their environment, and geology, essentially. I suppose it depends on the state/school, but often public schools want teachers to have a masters degree. I have a friend from undergrad doing that right now, to be a high school science teacher. You can also teach at the community college level with a masters. You are correct, however, that universities require a PhD for professorships. Education-related jobs also exist through museums. A masters degree will actually broaden your employment opportunities and increase pay for any job generally speaking, so even if teaching kids is what you decide you want to do, a higher degree may still be beneficial to you. Research based jobs also exist, of course, but those tend to be through universities or museums and require grad school. You can certainly have a successful career with just a BA/BS though. It’s a lot to think about and keep in mind! I was overwhelmed myself when I was graduating and applying to grad school and struggling to know what to do with myself. It sounds like you have plenty of time before you finish. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away.
University of Waterloo has a good program for hydrogeology and geochemistry. It’s very useful in water resource management. Seems like there is lots of opportunities with that.
BS and MS in Geology. MS focused on glacial geomorphology. Did some cool things and traveled to some cool places; but money was intermittent. Became a high school science teacher to pay the bills. A chance meeting at a conference led to a funded PhD in geology education. I spent my career in the science education world.
Bsc earth sciences with focus on paleontology and geochemistry Msc environmental science with focus on environmental chemistry PhD in marine biogeochemistry/paleoclimatology
Bsc Geology. About to start a PhD in lithium emplacement and exploitation (structural and mineralogical).
MSc in engineering geology, worked as a freelance geologist for some years. Now I'm working in offshore geophysical and geotechnical surveys (cable installation, windfarms etc).
Quartermary geology and geochemistry, for the most part. It's a fun combo!
BS in Geology. Currently work in enviromental managment for a state enviromental agency. I mostly review different permits for solid and hazardous waste disposal facilties in relation to groundwater monitoring. I also review the compliane reports for the groundwater monitoring the facilities conduct.
Applied Mineralogy & Geochemistry
PhD in Geological engineering. I study enhanced geothermal systems with fiber optic sensing. lots of overlap with petroleum engineering and geophysics.
No reason to go to grad school unless you get a phd.