Geology

Geology

What is Geology?
In this program, you will study the evolution, composition, and forces acting upon and within the earth. To acquire the necessary foundation in the field, you will take various courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. You can also take historical and physical geology courses to learn about the solids, liquids, and gases which make up the earth; about rock, mineral, and fossil identification; and about plate tectonics, and geological time.

Geology is the study of the Earth and its 4.5 billion- year history. As such, it unites and enhances the utility of the other natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) in our quest to understand life, the planet and the universe. Only through the systematic geological study of our planet can we hope to understand and predict the major events that influence our lives, including climatic variation, nutrient availability, rapid extinction, seismicity and volcanism. Geology also guides the unending quest for natural resources including ores, minerals, energy and water, and constrains the distribution, fate and remediation of natural and man-made contaminants. Our program prepares its graduates for graduate school, careers in academia, research, teaching and consulting, and as informed citizens, capable of critically analyzing scientific issues and related policies.

Working in Geology
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success

• Strong interest in science and understanding how the earth was formed
• Enjoy being and working in the outdoors
• Like travelling to remote locations
• Be logical and have good reasoning ability
• Be skilled in problem solving
• Be able to communicate well, both orally and in writing

Click HERE for a table on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment

Sample Job Titles

Environmental Scientist Geologist Geophysicist Hydrologist Marine Engineer Mining Engineer Meteorologist Oceanographer Paleontologist

Learning More About Geology

• Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library
  • Great Jobs for Geology Majors
• Visit the SLU Geology Department website
• Check out Geology course descriptions in the Catalog
• Talk with a professor in Geology about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
• Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
• Get connected with SLU alum in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.

Additional Resources

• Professional Associations
  • *American Geological Institute Careers in Geosciences
  • Geological Society of America
  • The Canadian Geoscience Council
  • Association for Women Geoscientists Profiles
  • American Association of Petroleum Geologists
  • American Association of Petroleum Geologists
  • American Geological Institute                                     
  • American Institute of Professional Geologists
  • Geological Society of America


• Occupational Outlook Information
  • Environmental Scientists and Hydrologists
  • Geoscientists
  • Teachers-Postsecondary


• Miscellaneous Career Information
  • Spotlight on Careers
  • *Sloan Foundation Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
  • Geology Career Information
  • Geology Link Page
  • Surveying Careers
  • The United States Geological Survey
  • Geology and Earth Science
  • National Park Service


• Job Postings
  • Earth Magazine Classified

Related Majors and Minors at SLU
Education
Environmental Studies
Geology-Physics interdisciplinary