Volcanologists study volcanic activity like lava.
Volcanologists study volcanoes and related geophysical phenomenon such as magma, lava and volcanic ash. They are well-rounded scientists with backgrounds in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines. They earn advanced degrees and work for universities, observatories and agencies such as the U.S. Geologic Survey. The life of a volcanologist can be exciting but also dangerous when observing active and unpredictable volcanoes.
High School and Undergraduate Education
A strong background in science, math and computer science is essential if you want to become a volcanologist. Students can begin preparing for the profession in high school by taking classes such as chemistry, physics, biology, Earth science, trigonometry and calculus. On the undergraduate level, aspiring volcanologists should major in geology and take classes in geochemistry, geophysics, petrology, remote sensing and sedimentary geology. Students should also seek work as interns and take summer research jobs in university geology labs and government agencies.
Graduate Studies
If you want to work in the field of volcanology outside of being a lab assistant, you need to earn an advanced degree in geology. Universities offer master's and doctoral programs in geology with a concentration in volcanology. Students take courses such as seismology, modeling and simulation, statistics, geohazards, field methods and seminars in specialized topics. Graduate programs also have volcanology study groups so graduate students and postdoctoral fellows can engage in research topics together and go on field trips.
Field Work
A major component of a volcanologist's work is field studies. At the undergraduate level, learning take samples of sedimentation, read sensors, use monitoring tools and visually observe volcanoes in remote locations is important. Graduate students may earn grants to travel to locations around the world with constant volcanic activity such as Indonesia where volcanologists maintain year-round research stations. Students at universities in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii have easy access to field work since most volcanoes in the United States are concentrated in those states. Classes in geohazards are important when conducting field work near active volcanoes because misjudging volcanic activity can be fatal.
Research
While it is possible to engage in research on the undergraduate level, volcanologists in graduate school work under the supervision of professors and senior researchers on large projects and on individual research topics. After earning a Ph.D., volcanologists can work as paid researchers in post-doctoral programs at universities and observatories and gain opportunities to publish their work in scientific journals.
Tags: undergraduate level, volcanic activity, earn advanced, engage research, field work
