What Can I Do With a Major In Geology?

UGA Specific Information for Geology

Geology is a broad interdisciplinary science that involves the study of Earth and its history. Work on environmental problems, research, teaching and the topical issue of exploring for oil or mineral resources are all typical of positions for a Geologist. Geologists often divide their time between work in the field, the laboratory and the office. A career as a professional geologist often requires graduate training. Geologists are employed with environmental consulting companies, federal and state geological surveys, a wide range of government agencies, petroleum and mining companies, highway departments, oceanographic institutes, and as secondary or college teachers. Geologists gather and interpret data about the Earth for the purpose of increasing our knowledge about natural resources and Earth processes and for providing basic information required for establishing policy for resource management and environmental protection.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2021 Career Outcomes for Geology*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

UGA Department of Geology Homepage

Job Boards and Career Resources Compiled by the UGA Geology Department

To find clubs and organizations, visit the Center for Student Organizations

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations/Considerations

If you are interested in attending graduate school, check out the Career Center website resources

Supplemental Career Research Dashboard

Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET (click on Find Occupations)
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook  (type in general term for career of interest)
  • Firshand  (Company rankings/profiles, industry career guides, and advice articles)
  • Candid Career  (View professionals speaking about their careers under the "Resources" tab and select "Online Resources")
  • Video Interviews of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Student Interns
  • UGA Mentor Program - Networking with your Bulldog family can help you get ahead in life and career, but where do you even start? The UGA Mentor Program narrows down the world of possibilities to meaningful connections.  It personalizes the mentoring experience; connecting you with mentors that are just right for your commitment.. There's a better way to network.  Visit mentor.uga.edu today and find a mentor who can help you see your future.

Employment Websites

Tip: Internships are a vital way to break into the field, especially with state and federal agencies. Review the student portal of USAJobs.gov or major agencies (such as the USGS or the Bureau of Land Management) to connect with opportunities. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is also a potential resource for finding relevant positions.  

Professional Associations/Resources

Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. Need help finding groups? Check out the Groups You May Like link under the Interests/Groups tab. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.

Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2021 Geology majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2021 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
Nevada Gold Mines Exploration Geology Intern
Randstad - Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC Warehouse Administrative Assistant
* denotes no responses received.
*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2021 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2021 Geology majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2020 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
University of Alabama Geological Sciences, MS
University of Georgia Geology, MS
University of Mississippi Engineering Science, Master's
* denotes no responses received.

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