WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... EARTH AND OCEAN SCIENCES www.sc.edu/career
Dec 19, 2015
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN...
EARTH AND OCEAN SCIENCES
www.sc.edu/career
earth and o·ceansci·ence
Any of several sciences, such as geology, oceanography, and meteorology, that study the origin, composition, and physical features of the Earth.*
*"Earth Sciences." The American Heritage® Science Dictionary. Houghton Mifflin Company. 18 Dec. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Earth Sciences>.
Earth & Ocean Sciences Majors Study
The Earth and its history Geological processesThe monitoring, assessing, and researching causes of earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes worldwide The conducting geologic mapping of land and seafloor resources energy and mineral resources on national and global scales
...and more
Specializations
–Bachelor's degree/entry level•GIS specialist•Hydrologist•Environmental scientist •Staff geologist•Seismologist •Mining engineer•Environmental consultant
–Further education required•Mining geologist•Geologist •Geological oceanographer •Petroleum geologist •Geophysicists •Paleontologist •Environmental lawyer•Geological engineer•Valconologist
Most undergraduate programs offer a general course of study as well as many specializations that can be pursued with additional study. These include (but are not limited to):
Geology At The University Of South Carolina
Undergraduate Degrees
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Majors: • Concentration in Environmental Geosciences
– Intensive Major in Geological Sciences– Intensive Major with a Concentration in Marine Geology– Degree with Distinction in Geological Sciences
• B.S. in Geophysics – Degree with Distinction in Geophysics
• The university also offers a Minor Geological Sciences and Geophysics
Geology At The University Of South Carolina
Graduate Degrees
The School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment offers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Geological Sciences and Marine Science, as well as a Master of Earth & Environmental Resource Management (M.E.E.R.M.) degree and dual M.E.E.R.M. & Juris Doctor degrees in collaboration with the USC School of Law.
Geology Majors Develop Skills In
• Investigation– Define research problems – Develop research models – Establish hypothesis – Gather/analyze data – Evaluate ideas – See relationships among
factors – Draw meaningful
conclusions – Field sampling
• Communication– Develop/write research
proposals – Review scientific
literature – Summarize research
findings– Inform, explain, instruct – Prepare technical reports
Geology Majors Develop Skills In
• Computation– Measure distances/
sizes/relationships – Perform calculations – Mathematical
modeling – Maintain records – Utilize math formulas
• Technical– Design equipment – Identify materials/
specimens – Observe data– Establish/control
designs – Design computer
simulations – Use technical
instruments
Employment
• The undergraduate degree alone in geology does not always directly lead to a career as a professional geologist.
• The degree does provide you with an excellent interdisciplinary sciences background and is valuable for almost any type of work involving both physical and life science.
Employment Settings
• Business & Commerce: Includes management and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business &
Commerce
• Computer Analyst• Environmental Lawyer• Industrial Hygienist• Environmental
Consultant• Surveyor
• Forest Ranger• Landscape Manager• Materials Analyst• Park Manager• Pollution Control
Specialist• Urban Planner
Employment Settings
• Outdoor Field Work:
Includes both studying and working with and in the outdoors. Encompasses everything from management to urban planning.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Outdoor Field
Work• Astronomer• Geodynamicist• Geophysical Explorer• Glacial Geologist• Land Surveyor• Meteorologist• Paleoceanographer• Petrologist• Sedimentologist• Hydrologist• Soil Scientist
• Stratigrapher• Volcanologist• Cartographer• Environmental Consultant• Forest Ranger• Geologist• Hydrogeologist• Mineralogist• Environmental Geologist• Urban Planner• Surveyor
Employment Settings
• Research:
Includes technicians, researchers, and technologists. Also incorporates laboratory work and the education of peers.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Research
• Astronomer• Geodynamicist• Glacial Geologist• Meteorologist• Paleoceanographer• Petrologist• Volcanologist• Water Remote Sensing
Interpreter• Water Quality Control
Technician
• Geologist• Hydrogeologist• Instrumental Technician• Paleoclimatologist• Planetary Geologist• Geochemist• Geomorpholgist• Geophysics Technician• Laboratory Technician• Materials Analyst
Employment Settings
• Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing.
Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education
• Administrator• Admissions Evaluator• Author/Writer• Career Counselor• College or University
Professor• Financial Aid Director• Guidance Counselor• Health Educator • Lecturer
• Primary School Teacher• Program Manager• Residence Hall Director• Secondary School
Teacher• Student Affairs
Professional • Text Writer• Medical Librarian
Other Occupational Settings
• Energy industry (Petroleum, Coal, Natural Gas)
• Natural history museums
• Engineering consulting firms
• Scientific journals• Environmental
consulting firms
• Testing labs• Environmental
advocacy groups• Travel/Tourism
(ecotourism companies)• Minerals industry• Waste management
companies
Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want
• Pursue an excellent academic record
• Obtain part-time, summer, or internship work experience
• Volunteer with service and counseling organizations
• Become fluent in a foreign language
• Obtain an advanced degree and/or certification in order to perform substantive counseling work
• Obtain a minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Language, business, education)
• Develop strong writing and speaking skills
Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want
• Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills
• Become comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures
• Acquire sales experience
• Become active in peer mediation groups if available
• Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups
• Obtain teaching certification
• Shadow the work of a professional
Books and Web ResourcesBooks
Great Jobs for Geology Majors by Blythe Camensen
WetFeet Insider Guide to Careers in Oil and Gas by WetFeet Staff
Web Resources
Earthworks jobs -http://www.earthworks-jobs.com/
Geology.com - http://geology.com
Earth Science jobs - http://www.earthsciencejobs.co.uk/index.php
Resources for more information
USC’s Department of Geologywww.geol.sc.edu/index.htm
Career Center libraryhttp://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html
Geology Related Websites http://www.sc.edu/career/la/geology.html
College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Programwww.sc.edu/career/cascdp/index.html
Career Center Contact Information
University of South Carolina Career Center6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building)Columbia, SC 29208Phone: 803-777-7280On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)