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Earth and Planetary Sciences

The list below contains a sample of some of the common career paths chosen by earth science majors. The skills you develop as an undergraduate (communication, analytical/problem solving, and technical) may be used in many different occupations. However, most earth science majors tend to seek work in the field of science.

COMMON CAREER PATHS:

Geotechnical
Soil testing
Construction site analysis
Earthquakes
Coastal management

Environmental
Climate
Water resources
Water and air pollution
Waste disposal

Energy and Minerals
Research
Exploration
Production
Storage and waste
Geothermal

Ocean
Ocean chemistry and ecology
Marine and coastal resource management
Planetary
Spacecraft missions
Space industry
Planetary data analysis

Government
Mapping
Resource evaluation
Hazard assessment
Conservation studies

Teaching
High School
Community College
University

SAMPLE EMPLOYERS:

Government
Bureau of Mines
Office of Surface Mining
Department of Energy
Environmental Protection Agency
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Bureau of Land Management
U.S. Geological Survey
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin.
Department of Defense
Nuclear Regulatory Agency
Bureau of Reclamation
National Aeronautics and Space Admin.
National Park Service

Petroleum and Natural Gas Companies

Hard-Rock Mining Companies

Coal Companies

Railroad Companies

Consulting Engineering Firms

Construction Companies

High Schools, Colleges and Universities

Nonprofit Organizations (e.g., Sierra Club)

JOB WEBSITES:

Earth Science World
InfoOil Careers
Geotimes
Geology Jobs (extensive list of web sites)
Earth Works
CSI Recruiting
Oil and Gas
Government

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: (includes job opportunities)

American Geological Institute
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Geological Society of America
American Geophysical Union
Society of Exploration Geophysicists
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
American Geographical Society
American Meteorological Society

JOB PREPARATION STRATEGIES:

  • Develop public speaking skills and writing skills
  • Obtain lab and field experience via coursework and internships
  • Take a course in mapping and surveying, obtain GIS experience (ES 107)
  • Develop strong computer skills
  • Obtain an internship, summer or volunteer work in different geological fields (ES 98, 188, 198)
  • Learn about federal, state and local government job applications process
  • Join a student branch of a professional association