Geoscientists, such as geologists, study different aspects of the structure and composition of the Earth.
Geoscientists study the structure and composition of the Earth. There are a large number of fields and subspecialities in geoscience, such as geophysics, geology, volcanology, stratiography and petroleum geology. The exact job requirements will depend on the particular type of geoscience you wish to practice, but there are some prerequisites that most geoscientists need to meet.
Undergraduate Education
All geoscientists will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in a field of geoscience. For example, the California Institute of Technology offers bachelor's degrees in geobiology, geology, geochemistry, geophysics and planetary science. Students taking these courses will study topics such as minerology, stratography and applied geophysics. Geoscience students will generally also need to take classes in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. Many universities require or encourage geosciences undergraduates to conduct research or fieldwork during the summer.
Graduate Education
Most jobs in the geosciences, including those with state geological surveys and federal agencies, require at least a master's degree in your specialist field. If you want to conduct high-level research or teach at university level you will also need a doctorate. Graduate programs focus on a specific discipline. For example, at CalTech, graduate students in geophysics must take six graduate-level courses in geophysics, as well as five courses in a minor field and complete a thesis. Graduate students are also required to conduct independent research.
Licensing
Many states require geoscientists who work with the public, or who work for a public agency, to obtain a license. License requirements vary by state, but may include a minimum education requirement, experience in their field and passing a state exam. For example, in Maine, licenses are granted by the Maine Geological Survey. Candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree in geological sciences and seven years of experience in geological work. Up to four years of this can be gained while at university. Candidates must also pass the National Association of State Boards of Geology examination, and a local knowledge exam. Unlicensed geologists can generally work under the supervision of a licensed geologist while they gain the necessary experience.
Additional Requirements
Most geoscience jobs will require experience in areas such as computer modelling, data analysis and remote sensing. Depending on the position, you may also need experience of conducting remote sensing, satellite imaging and knowledge of using Geographic Information and Global Positioning systems. You should also be competent in using any computer programs that are commonly used in your specific field. Employers may also look for field experience and strong communications skills, especially the ability to write technical reports and papers. Geoscience job candidates should also be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze complex data and to draw conclusions from varied data sets.
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