Geology

UThopeful · 03-09-2008, 11:17 PM

Okay so right now I am a pre-pharm major but thinking about switching to Geology. I am trying to transfer to a better geology school then the one I am currently at, university of Houston, to either a&m or UT. I was wondering is Geology a good major and how is the job outlook? Also If I do not get into the 2 schools I am trying to transfer to, how big of an effect does school rank on job oppertunities or getting into graduate school in the Geology field?

Whatsup · 03-10-2008, 11:51 AM

Im not sure if I can help you much but what I can say is that my father is the state geologist (1 of 50) and attended University of Houston--where I believe is where he got his degree in Geology.

Now I'm not sure if you ever want to try and reach the rank of state geologist so I can only offer a job outlook in that department and annual salary for him is $112k. Good luck and I hope someone can better answer your question.

UThopeful · 03-10-2008, 07:38 PM

Thanks for the imput.

Do you know if he got a masters or from where if he did?

rty456 · 03-10-2008, 11:41 PM

I am a geologist working in the energy industry in Houston. 25 year 'veteran'. BSc from texas tech, MS from A&M. worked in Calif, Alaska, Russia, Middle East, Texas.
I wouldn trade it. IF you have an interest in Geology, demand is high right now. Starting salaries are in industry about 75-80$k, but as important to most geologists is that they do enjoy there work ....
Expect to get your masters... not an absolute, but many many doors will open if you do. A suggestion, if UH is working for you, get your BS then go to UT or A&M for grad school.. by working I mean are you comfortable, finances etc...

mor elater if you need it

rty456 · 03-10-2008, 11:43 PM

Oh industry -energy - is known for its ups and downs .. it is up now. the state geologist job (impressive to your dada btw) is probably more stable, a little less per year than industry... but there are intangibles, for governemnt v industry

UThopeful · 03-11-2008, 05:33 PM

thanks rty456,

I think i would definatly find geology more interesting then what my current major which is something I only want to do because of the salary. I was a little worried about salary and job security though because I couldn't find much info on geology jobs when googling.

Couple questions.
Do you have to be really good at math? Because that is one of my weakspots but I do really enjoy science. Also I have no experiance with getting into graduate schools so am wondering how hard is it to get into a graduate program? Because I am sure I can do decently well. Like 3.4 or above by the end of undergraduate but would that be enough to get into a graduate school?

rty456 · 03-11-2008, 11:32 PM

In the energy industry there i smassive 'hand wringing' over the shortage of geologists as us older guys (me at 50) start to retire in the next few years.

I will try and post some links later. As to math, In a degree program you are going to have to do some math--Calculus seems to be the area. It really isnt that necessary as to the practice of Geology --geometry, trig ---very very basic are more needed .. The math in the degree programs is primarily a hurdle--hazing if you will

I dont know how competitive the grad programs are--but I would think you should be able to get into a solid grad program with a 3+GPA and solid work in the major from a repectable school like UH. IF you are looking at working in industry stay in the texas and surroudning areas-UT, A&M, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Col Sch Mines, Okla State ... prob in about that order.... for grad school. (Col SCh mines, would be higher, but prob most difficult to get into)

Like I say, if UH is working for you, a BS from there and a MS from one of these schools should be a good ticket (also grad school can be financed by TA , summer work)

rty456 · 03-12-2008, 09:23 PM

Salary Survey :04:2007 EXPLORER

This shoudl be a link to petroleum geology salaries

UThopeful · 03-12-2008, 10:34 PM

I looked at the survey and the numbers definatly look good. I have been thinking also that I may go for a dual degree because I think I could get it done within my 4 years with a little extra effort but would it be worth it? Do you know anything that could be paired with geology that could be really useful. I woudnt do arabic or a language though, even though that might help the best, because I am no good at learning languages.

thanks for your continued help rty456.

rty456 · 03-14-2008, 06:35 AM

Physics or Engineering could be paired and would be useful, but if math isnt your thing, you may want to shy away from these

Business is a good option and can always help.

If you want to look a more esoteric pure science combinations anything would work, biology or chemistry.... but would not necessarily be a big advantage as a job seeker,

These are my opinions

sakky · 03-14-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

F you have an interest in Geology, demand is high right now. Starting salaries are in industry about 75-80$k, but as important to most geologists is that they do enjoy there work

Really?

"According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2007 for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in geology and related sciences averaged $40,786 a year."

Geoscientists

rty456 · 03-15-2008, 01:10 PM

Yes really. In the energy industry with a Masters. If you understand the average quoted salary includes those that didnt get a MS and those that aren't in the Energy industry.. I understand the numbers quoted. The OP is in Houston (heavy industry concentration) , and expressed interest in Grad school ...make of it what you will.... so some comments for others, so you dont have to open the link.

A quick read of your posted link said that "A master’s degree is the primary educational requirement for most entry-level positions. A Ph.D. is necessary for most high-level research and college teaching positions, but a master’s degree is preferred for most other geoscience jobs."

In addition the linked article to BLS site says..."About 24 percent of geoscientists were employed in architectural, engineering, and related services, and 18 percent worked for oil and gas extraction companies. In 2006, State agencies such as State geological surveys and State departments of conservation employed about 2,900 geoscientists. Another 2,600 worked for the Federal Government, including geologists, geophysicists, and oceanographers, mostly within the U.S. Department of the Interior for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and within the U.S. Department of Defense. About 2 percent of geoscientists were self-employed, most as consultants to industry or government.

Let me post the entire link that you quote ....

Education and training. A bachelor’s degree is adequate for a few entry-level positions, but most geoscientists need a master’s degree in geology or earth science. A master’s degree is the preferred educational requirement for most entry-level research positions in private industry, Federal agencies, and State geological surveys. A Ph.D. is necessary for most high-level research and college teaching positions, but it may not be preferred for other jobs.

Earnings:
Median annual earnings of geoscientists were $72,660 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,860 and $100,650; the lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,740, the highest 10 percent more than $135,950.

The petroleum, mineral, and mining industries offer higher salaries, but less job security, than other industries because economic downturns sometimes cause layoffs.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2007 for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in geology and related sciences averaged $40,786 a year.

In 2007, the Federal Government’s average salary was $87,392 for geologists, $100,585 for geophysicists, and 93,461 for oceanographers.

sakky · 03-15-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Yes really. In the energy industry with a Masters.

Those are some pretty big caveats there, don't you think? Sure, if you get a master's, things are quite different. But the question I am interested in is, what if you don't get a master's? Or what if you don't or can't get a job in the energy industry? Don't laugh. I know people coming out of elite geology/geophysics schools who tried to get a job in the energy industry and didn't get a single offer. {OK, perhaps it had something to do with their personality, but that's the point - not every geologist can get an offer in the energy industry.}

rty456 · 03-15-2008, 05:41 PM

Sakky,
I agree completely with the caveats noted, and they are important and yes as with everything personality and people skills matter, as do a number of other things. good to agree

UThopeful · 03-17-2008, 06:48 PM

Okay I decided I am going to make the witch from pre-pharm to geology but now since Sakky braught up the point of if you don't do a masters, what are the oppurtunities with a batchelors, I am a tad worrierd. Although I am fairly sure I would persue a masters, I can not be certain of what lies in the future and must be prepared for not being able to do a masters. So what can I do with a bachelors assuming my personality is not terribly unbearable.