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)