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 2023 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

Finding Research:

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

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

Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
  • My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
  • Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
  • Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
  • UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
  • Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
  • Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

Employment Websites

General  

  • Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
  • LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
  • Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
  • USAJobs (federal jobs)

 

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 2023 Geology majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 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)
Lake Superior Consulting Field Geologist
Rangefront Mining Services Mineral Exploration Geotechnician
Rangefront Mining Services Mineral Exploration Geotechnician
S&ME Staff Professional
Terracon Field Geologist
WSP USA Environmental Geologist
* 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 2023 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 2023 Geology majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 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)
Fort Hays State University Geosciences, MS
* denotes no responses received.

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