Studying geology provides students with an understanding of the Earth,
its minerals and rocks, and the processes that have shaped our surroundings.
Geology can often be combined with other majors. Geology professor
John Waldron says his university offers combined major and honors programs
in geology and geography, geology and commerce, and geology plus any other
science, including biology, chemistry, environmental studies and physics.
"It also is possible for students to take a cooperative education option,
in which periods of paid employment -- work terms -- are interleaved with
academic study," he says. Such programs generally take one additional year.
Thor Hansen is chair of the geology department at Western Washington University.
His students begin with introductory courses in physical geology, which
discusses the physical processes at work in and on the Earth; and historical
geology, which examines the history of the Earth and its life.
Other courses deal with the study of minerals, glaciers, plate tectonics,
mountain building, rivers, fossils, groundwater, earthquakes and volcanoes.
The program includes numerous field trips and ends with a six-week
field camp in which students investigate and map the geology of a remote wilderness
area.
By the time students graduate, they can observe and interpret rocks and
geologic landforms, Hansen says.
"They can make predictions about the consequences of geological processes
and therefore assess geological hazards. They also can go into a situation
where there is a geological question, such as, 'What are the chances of an
earthquake occurring in this spot?' They can assemble a team and find answers
to questions."
Geology students typically enjoy spending time in the outdoors. "A geologist
should be someone who likes to occasionally go in the field and examine rocks,
climb mountains, live on a ship or drill wells," says Hansen.
In high school, take a geology or earth science class to see if
it interests you.
"It is also a good idea to take as much chemistry, physics and math
as you can," Hansen says. "These subjects will prepare you for a career
in any field of science. Lastly, go camping; see if you like sleeping
on the ground once in a while, climbing a glacier or hiking in the mountains."
There are the usual costs of tuition and books. For field camps, there
is a fee for the accommodation and transportation. Students may also have
to buy a hand lens, sampling hammer and a compass-clinometer.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Environmental
Scientists and Geoscientists
U.S. Geological Survey
Learn about the land around you
American Geological Institute
A nonprofit federation
Bob Campbell Geology Museum
Take a tour with Abbey the amethyst