Become a Geologist
A geologist studies the rock history of the Earth as well as the related physical activities above and below the Earth's crust. This knowledge is vital to areas such as earthquake studies, oil drilling, gas exploration, mining, environmental and water issues and mapping.
Instructions
1. Ask your high school guidance counselor for a list of colleges that offer a bachelor's degree in geology or geophysics. Check out the American Geological Institute (agiweb.org) and the American Geophysical Union (agu.org) for information on the differences between those two closely related fields.
2. Maintain good grades in high school, especially in math and science. Take advanced courses if possible.
3. Send for college catalogs and applications and compare course offerings. Apply to several colleges well before their deadline dates.
4. Commit yourself to the years of study necessary for success in the field.
5. Recognize that your bachelor's degree will admit you only to entry-level jobs. A master's degree is necessary for any advancement, and a Ph.D. is necessary for research, university teaching positions and many federal and state positions.
6. Expect to go on field trips as part of your degree work. It's also to your benefit to do internships, and they'll probably be required. Realize that outdoor work will be necessary and that some of it may require stamina.
7. Decide early on which geological subfield most interests you and take courses accordingly. Areas of study might include mineralogy, hydrology, hazardous waste management, environmental legislation, chemistry, oceanography, physics and cartography.
8. Use connections you've made during your studies and internships when applying for your first job.
Tags: bachelor degree, Become Geologist, high school
