Geology Majors

Geology Department Homepage

Geology Program Map

Career Information

• American Geological Institute's Career Compass

• Geological Society of America's GeoCareers

• American Geophysical Society's Learn & Develop Resources

• SAGE 2YC (Supporting and Advancing Geoscience Education at 2-Year Colleges) 

  • What to Geoscientists Do?

  • Geoscience Degrees and Careers

  • Employment in the Geosciences

• Geo-Geoscience Resources on Opportunities in the Workforce is a collection of non-academic career resources for geoscience students, mentors, and departments. Use this tool to discover career pathways, explore occupations, view career profiles, and learn how to find a geoscience position that fits your skills and interests.

• Geoscience Career & Transfer Presentation by Prof. Hedrick

Career Videos

• Mining Geologist ※ What does a mining geologist do?

• Environmental Consultant ※ What can you do with a geology degree?

• Petroleum Scientist ※ What can you do with an earth science degree?

• Hydrologist ※ What can you do with a geology degree?

• Educator ※ What can you do with a geology degree? ※ What is a career in earth science like?

• Petrophysicist ※ What can you do with a geology degree? ※ Geology Careers in Oil & Gas Industry

• Geophysicist ※ What can you do with a geophysics degree? ※ Geology Careers in Oil & Gas Industry

• Careers in Paleontology

Relevant Geology Career Documents

Geology/Geoscience Professional Societies

Why should students consider joining professional organizations?

• Education – Many professional associations provide opportunities for their members to educate themselves on the best practices in their industry through training, workshops, seminars, and online courses.  These are often given by industry leaders who have years of experience, and can aid in your job application process post-graduation.

• Exclusive Online Resources – With a membership in a professional association, you may gain access to journals, articles, webinars, infographics, and message boards to aid your professional growth and development.  They may even provide access to databases of internship and job openings in your desired field.

• Networking Opportunities – Professional associations provide networking opportunities with people who are specifically in your industry. Whether you are looking to pursue employment opportunities, connect with other industry professionals, or even looking for a mentor within your profession, the networking opportunities are invaluable. 

• Conferences – Events and conferences are a great way to get to know your fellow members and connect with some of the brightest minds in your industry. The more involved with an association you are, the more it will benefit your professional growth.  Expand your leadership skills with executive roles within your association and include the position in your resume.

Traditional Professional Organizations

Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

• Established in 1888, The Geological Society of America (GSA) provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry.

• The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 43 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 100,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists.

• The mission of the American Geophysical Union is "to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity."

• The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) promotes the science of geophysics and the education of exploration geophysicists.

• The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) represents the professional interests of all practicing geoscientists in every discipline. Its advocacy efforts are focused on the promotion of the role of geology and geologists in society.

• American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) is the world's largest professional geological society.

• The International Association for Geoscience Diversity (IAGD) is a 501c3, volunteer-driven, non-profit organization. 100% of all donations support inclusive and accessible programs for students and geoscientists with disabilities.

Identity-Based Organizations

Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

• The Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG) exists to promote the professional development of its members, to provide geoscience outreach to girls, and to encourage women to become geoscientists. 

• Geoscience Alliance (GA) is a national alliance of individuals committed to broadening the participation of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and people of Native Hawai’ian ancestry in the geosciences.

• National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG) is a nonprofit organization of Black geoscientists created to provide and encourage continuing education in the various aspects of the geosciences; and to establish professional relationships between minority geoscientists and maintain a current roster of Blacks involved in the geosciences.

• Society of Latinxs/Hispanics in Earth and Space Science (SOLESS) is a community of Latinx/Hispanic undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and professionals dedicated to increasing and reinforcing the representation of Latinx/Hispanics in the Earth and Space Sciences through outreach, visibility, networking, and mentorship.

• Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Geosciences (AAPIiG) is a grassroots, member-driven organization committed to building a community that supports AAPIs within geosciences.

• Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is a global network that inspires bold leadership, research, and solutions that advance women in STEM, spark innovation, promote organizational success and drive systemic change.