Geosciences: Now What? : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst

Quick Facts: Geoscientists Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth
2023 Median Pay	$99,240 per year $47.71 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2023	26,000
Job Outlook, 2023-33	5% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2023-33	1,400

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm

What Are the Geosciences?

Geoscience is the scientific study of the planet Earth and its many different natural geologic systems. It includes the study and investigation of Earth’s minerals, soil, water and energy resources: how Earth’s natural systems work today, how they operated in the recent and ancient past, and how we expect they may behave in the future. The geosciences are a group of related disciplines focused on the Earth and its systems, history, and resources. In addition to rocks and fossils, geoscience can involve aspects of the climate: plants, asteroids, craters, glaciers, lakes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, volcanos, soil, sand, crystals, minerals, groundwater, pollen, etc. An overarching goal of the geosciences is to investigate ways that geology and climate can help or harm people.

Now, perhaps more than ever, many students decide to pursue careers in geoscience due to a commitment to help others and to assist in global efforts to preserve and safeguard the natural environment. Studies indicate that increasing numbers of people worldwide are choosing to live in geologically at-risk areas including low-lying coasts, landslide-prone regions, areas where fresh water supplies are limited or face imminent threat of pollution, and locations subject to serious volcanic or earthquake-related hazards. As a result, the future is likely to hold many opportunities for newly minted geoscientists to use their expertise to help mitigate disasters and save lives.

What Do Geoscientists Do?

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future. Most geoscientists split their time between working in an office or laboratory and working in the field. Geoscientists use a wide variety of tools, both simple and complex. In a day in the field, they may use a hammer and chisel to collect rock samples and then use sophisticated radar equipment to search for oil underground. In laboratories, they may use x-rays and electron microscopes to determine the chemical and physical composition of rock samples. They also use remote sensing equipment to collect data, and advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling software to analyze data.

Geoscientists often supervise the work of technicians, both in the field and in the lab. They also usually work as part of a team with other scientists and engineers. For example, some work closely with petroleum engineers to find and develop new sources of oil and natural gas. Geoscientists find jobs in environmental services, scientific and technical consulting, government and academia—and even in high finance, where insurance companies rely on them to help assess long-term risk due to climate change, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.

Some geoscientists are involved in the search for and development of natural resources and minerals, such as petroleum. Others work in environmental protection and preservation, and projects to clean up and re-claim polluted land. Some specialize in a particular aspect of the Earth, such as its oceans.

Types of geoscientists vary, but most geoscientists typically do the following tasks in their jobs:

Plan and conduct field studies; visit locations to collect samples and conduct surveys
Analyze aerial photographs, well logs (detailed records of geologic formations found during drilling), and other data to locate natural resource deposits and estimate their size
Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
Produce geologic maps and charts
Prepare written scientific reports
Present their findings to clients, colleagues, and other interested parties
Review reports and research done by other scientists

What Are Some of the Specialties in the Geosciences?

Engineering geologists apply geologic principles to civil and environmental engineering. They offer advice on major construction projects and help in other projects, such as environmental cleanup and reducing natural hazards.

Geologists study the materials, processes, and history of the Earth. They investigate how rocks were formed and what has happened to them since their formation.

Geochemists use physical and organic chemistry to study the composition of elements found in groundwater, such as water from wells or aquifers, and earth materials, such as rocks and sediment.

Geophysicists use the principles of physics to learn about the Earth’s surface and interior. They also study the properties of Earth’s magnetic, electric, and gravitational fields.

Glacial geologists study the physical properties and movement of glaciers and ice sheets, sometimes using such information to contribute to contemporary discussions of future climate change.

Hydrogeologists study the quantity, composition, distribution, circulation, and physical properties of both surface water and groundwater, and often play an important role in decisions involving both resource-management and land-use.

Mineralogists analyze and classify minerals and minerals systems according to their composition, genesis, and structure, usually with the goal of understanding the nature of formation and/or locating new mineral resources.

Oceanographers study the motion and circulation of ocean waters; the physical and chemical properties of the oceans; and how these properties affect coastal areas, climate, and weather.

Paleontologists study fossils found in geological formations to trace the evolution of plant and animal life and the geologic history of the Earth.

Petroleum geologists (petrologists) explore the Earth for oil and gas deposits. They analyze geological information to identify sites that should be explored. They collect rock and sediment samples from sites through drilling and other methods and test them for the presence of oil and gas. They also estimate the size of oil and gas deposits and work to develop sites to extract oil and gas.

Seismologists study earthquakes and related phenomena like tsunamis. They use seismographs and other instruments to collect data on these events.

Stratigraphers examine the formation and layering of stratified rocks in order to understand the environment in which they formed and the clues such rocks hold regarding Earth-surface processes of the past.

Sedimentologists study the nature, origin, and distribution of sediments, such as gravel, sand, silt, and mud, and usually apply such knowledge to further understanding of the processes involved in sediment accumulation and/or genesis of economically important deposits contained therein.

Volcanologists investigate volcanoes and volcanic phenomena to better predict the potential for future eruptions and the nature of volcanic-related hazards to human health and welfare.

What Can I Do with a Degree in the Geosciences?

Analyst Trade Controls

Atmospheric Scientists

Biological Technician

Buyer

Careers in Tree Care

Cartographer

Chemical Engineering Technician

College/University Faculty

Commodity Manager

Community Affairs Manager

Compliance Officer

Conservation Scientist

Coordinator, Safety and Health Education

Earth Science Education (K-12)

Ecology & Environmental Sciences Careers

Eco-Tour Guide

Engineering Technician

Environmental Coordinator

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Technician

Exploration Geologist

Explosives Specialist

Geobiologist

Geochemist

Geological Technician

Geologist

Geologist/Paleontologist

Geophysicist

GIS Specialist

Hydrologist

Laboratory Supervisor

Land Agent

Land Surveyor

Meteorologist

Mine Geologist

Minerals Processing Technician

Mining Engineering Technician

Oceanographer

Paleobiologist

Paleoclimatologist

Paleontologist

Petroleum Engineer Tech

Physicist

Photogrammetrist

Production Geologist

Prospector

Regulatory Law Associate

Reservoir Manager

Sales, Mining Products

Sampler Analyst

Science Writer

Site Cost Controller

Survey Technician

Surveyor

Technical coordinator

Technical Sales Representative

Training Coordinator

Virtual Reality Modeler

Volcanologist

Water Conservation Specialist

Water Quality Specialist

Water Reclamation Specialist

Water Resource Planner

Weather Reporter

While a few jobs in geoscience — particularly those in the private sector — require only a bachelor's degree, for most positions, education to master's degree level or higher will be needed. According to the American Geological Institute (AGI), more than two-thirds of geoscience PhDs find their first jobs in academia, with the remainder landing positions in government and industry.

Who Could I Work For?

Academic Institutions

Consulting Firms

Environmental Protection Agency

Financial Companies

Industrial/Commercial Companies

Energy Companies

Libraries

Local Government Agencies

Mines and Natural Areas

Mineral and Hydrocarbon Companies

Museums

National Parks Service

National Wildlife Federation

Petroleum & Natural Gas Companies

Research Companies

Research Labs

Resource Exploration Companies

U.S. Geological Survey

Water Treatment Plants

Where Might I Do an Internship?

UMass Amherst Geosciences Majors Have Done Internships at the Following Sites:

Amherst (Town of)

Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

Denali Commission (Alaska)

Greenfield (Town of)

Lithium Solutions

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority

Massachusetts Geological Survey

NASA

Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems (NRES)

New York (City of)

Northampton (City of)

MASSPIRG

Rhode Island Transit Authority

UMass Amherst

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

US Army Corps of Engineers

WSHM-TV CBS 3 - Springfield

Career Planning Resources & Websites

(Click Mass Resident to login with “Amherst/01003 and click “Occupations” or “Assessments”)

Geosciences Job and Internship Search Resources

Internships and Lab/Field Research in Geosciences

Professional Organizations

Many professional organization’s websites have career information on them. You can often use them to search for networking events, meet a mentor in your field of study, find current research, search for internships or jobs, and gain insight into what direction within the field you may wish to pursue.

What Do Employers Look For? (NACE 2025 Job Outlook for Students)

Top 10 Skills Employers Seek on a Candidate’s Resume:

Problem Solving, Teamwork, Written Communication, Taking Initiative, Strong Work Ethic, Technical Skills, Verbal Communication, Flexibility/Adaptability, Analytical/Quantitative, Detail-Oriented

Factors Considered by Employers When Screening Candidates:

Academic Major, Has completed an internship in the industry, Industry experience, Has demonstrated proficiency in competencies, Has completed an internship with the organization, Has held a leadership position, Has been involved in leadership/extracurricular activities, Has held part-time jobs in college to finance education, Has done volunteer work

Geosciences: Now What?

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