What Can I Do With A Major In...

Geology & Geophysics

Geology is a broad interdisciplinary science that involves the study of Earth and its history. Geologists may explore for new mineral or oil resources, work on environmental problems, do research, or teach. They often divide their time between work in the field, the laboratory, and the office.


Career Opportunities
  • Aerial Photographer
  • Geomorphologist
  • National Park Service Professional
  • Agricultural Engineer
  • Geophysicist
  • Oceanographer
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Geophysics Technician
  • Paleoceanographer
  • Astronomer
  • Geo-Technical Engineer
  • Paleoclimatologist
  • Cartographer
  • Glacial Geologist
  • Paleontologist
  • Computer Analyst
  • Hydrologist
  • Park Naturalist
  • Consultant
  • Cooperative Extension Agent
  • Instrumentation Technician
  • Parks and Natural Resource Manager
  • Economic Geologist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Peace Corps Worker
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Landscape/Nursery Manager
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Environmental Geologist
  • Marine Advisor
  • Petroleum Geologist
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Materials Analyst
  • Petrologist
  • Mathematician
  • Planetary Geologist

Related Skills

  • Developing and writing research proposals
  • Reviewing scientific literature
  • Summarizing research findings
  • Informing/explaining/instructing
  • Preparing technical reports
  • Defining a research problem
  • Developing a research model
  • Establishing hypotheses
  • Gathering/analyzing data
  • Evaluating ideas
  • Seeing relationships among factors
  • Drawing meaningful conclusions
  • Field sampling
  • Measuring distances/sizes/relationships
  • Performing calculations
  • Mathematical modeling
  • Maintaining records
  • Utilizing mathematical formulas
  • Designing equipment
  • Identifying and classifying materials/specimens
  • Observing data/things
  • Establishing and controlling experimental designs
  • Designing/using computer simulations
  • Using instruments
  • Making oral presentations

Hiring Institutions
  • Petroleum Industry
  • Seismic Survey
  • Independent Drilling Companies
  • Federal Government Agencies
  • Private Entrepreneurial Companies
  • Large and Small Consulting or Engineering Firms
  • Energy Companies
  • Trucking Firms
  • Mining Companies
  • Well Services and Drilling Companies
  • Oil Companies
  • Railroad Companies
  • Exploration Companies
  • Federal Government
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • US Geological Survey
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • Office of Surface Mining
  • Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
  • National Park Service
  • Forest Service
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • State Agencies and Departments
  • Conservation
  • Geological Surveys
  • National Resources
  • Highway Departments
  • Public Health Offices
  • Planning and Development Commissions
  • Regional Planning Boards
  • Bureau of Mines
  • Local Agencies and Departments
  • Construction Inspectors
  • Zoning Commissions
  • Elementary/Secondary Public and Private Schools
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Private Research Companies
  • National Laboratories
  • Petroleum and Natural Gas Companies
  • Research Institutes

Personal Attributes

  • Independence
  • Intellectual growth
  • Achievement
  • Enthusiasm for exploration, travel, and outdoor work
  • Spirit of scientific inquiry
  • Resourcefulness
  • Imagination
  • Patience
  • Determination
  • Dedication
  • Persuasion

Career Paths of Recent Graduates

Related Websites

The University of Oklahoma Department of Geology and Geophysics
What You Need to Know About
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Global Energy Jobs
Jobs in Geology and Earth Sciences
Geoscience Research Jobs
Oil and Gas Job Search
Geology Jobs
Geoplace
Geoscience Job Listings
Wetland Related Jobs
Water Quality Positions
GeoWeb Interactive
GIS Jobs Clearinghouse
The National Park Service
GeoSearch
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Society of Economic Geologists
Society of Petroleum Engineers
U.S. Geological Survey
OK Job Match