What Education Do I Need to Be a Geologist?

Natural forces create many mysteries for geologists to solve.

Educational requirements for a geologist depend upon the career path or specialty the student wishes to pursue. Geologists study the history, composition and physical actions of our planet's structure. Companies in the private sector, such as those in the oil and gas industry, employ geologists. Government positions include seismic research to study or monitor earthquakes and volcanoes. Geologists may also study earth history as it relates to fossils or prehistoric civilizations.

Areas of Specialization

Geologists may choose to specialize in hydrology, or the study of the planet's water cycle and issues that might affect life on Earth. Oceanographers focus on the oceans and seas, including the organisms that make their home in the water, currents and underwater geography. Geophysicists expand on basic geology by including a study of gravitational and electromagnetic forces to gain a better understanding of why certain actions occur. Seismologists typically focus on earthquakes and volcanologists study volcanoes, but the two fields often overlap. Engineering geologists work with engineers and architects to ensure that new projects are geologically sound. Additional areas of specialization include mineralogy, geochemistry and glacial studies. Educational requirements vary for each area of specialization, requiring students to complete courses that are most relevant to the area.

Degrees

At minimum, an entry-level position as a geologist will require a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. For a research position in hydrology or geoscience, private employers normally seek candidates with at least a master's degree, and a doctorate is required for upper-level research positions. A doctorate is also needed to teach at the college or university level.

Course of Study

Traditional undergraduate geology programs consist of general educational courses during the first two years and core classes during the last two years. Students may have courses in chemistry, physics, marine and planetary geology, hydrology, geochemistry, and paleoecology. A research project or thesis may be included as a graduation requirement. Depending on the specialization, further studies may include courses in engineering, oceanography, atmospheric studies and biology.

Licensing

State licenses may be required for geologists employed in areas that have a direct impact on the public or who provide services to the public. Policies vary widely between states, but the standard procedure requires geologists to pass an examination once they have earned their degrees and obtained a minimum level of experience. Even in a state with no licensing requirements, geologists may choose to obtain professional certifications from organizations such as the American Institute of Hydrology.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that salary ranges vary by employer and specialty. As of 2008, the median salary for geoscientists was $79,160 as of 2008, with a range that extended from $41,700 to $155,430. The oil and gas industry offered the highest median salary ($127,560) but the least security. Employees of state governments averaged $57,700 annually. Average salaries for federal employees, as of March 2009, was $108,118 for geophysicists, $105,671 for oceanographers, $94,085 for geologists and $89,404 for hydrologists.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Geoscientists and Hydrologists
• USGS: What is Hydrology and What Do Hydrologists Do?
• USGS: Become a Geophysicist
• NASA: Careers in National Aeronautics and Space Admiminstration - Geologist
• DegreeDirectory: How to Become a Geologist in 5 Steps