Careers in geology

For information about what you can do with a geology major, click on this link, stop in and talk with any of the geology faculty, or check out the the UMM Career Center on the 2nd floor of Behmler Hall.

Geology graduates typically pursue careers in one of four major sectors:

• Industry
  Examples: petroleum, metals and minerals mining, resources mining (sand and gravel, aggregate, etc.)

• Environmental
  Examples: environmental consulting, hydrology, mapping/GIS analysis, non-profit work, conservation

• Government
  Examples: US Geological Survey, Department of Energy, Minnesota Geological Survey, Minnesota Departmtent of Natural Resources

• Education/Research
  Examples: K-12 teaching, university teaching and/or research

Although it is possible to begin your career with only a bachelor's degree, graduate study in a more narrow field within the Earth sciences that interests you is highly recommended.

Below is a listing of jobs reported by UMM Geology Graduates broken down into the general sectors outlined above (courtesy of the UMM Career Center)

Industry/Technical

Clastics Geologist, Sedimentary Geologist, Control Systems Engineer, Engineer, Engineer Manager, Exploration Geologist, Petroleum Geologist, Petroleum Technologist, Petrophysicist, Well Driller

Environmental

Cartographic Technician, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Director, Environmental Field Officer, Environmental Geologist, Environmental Project Manager, Environmental Scientist, Geography/Quality Assurance, Groundwater Hydrologist, Hazardous Materials Response Specialist, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist, Industrial Hygienist, Soil and Water Analyst

Government

Army Reserve Conservation/Mining Foreman, Military Officer, Watershed District Administrator

Education/Research

Elementary Science Specialist, Geochemist, Geology Instructor, Geology Research Scientist, Geophysicist, Glacial Geologist, Laboratory Automation, Precambrian Geologist, Science Teacher, Teacher

Other

Business: Accountant, Associate Manager, Contract Administrator, Corporate Analyst, Futures Trader, Insurance Agent, Insurance Office Manager, Loan Officer, Mortgage Assistant, Office Manager, Personnel and Safety Director, Salesperson

IT: Computer Analyst, Computer Network Technician, Computer Programmer, Computer Technical Support, Data Analyst, Information Services Manager, Software Engineer, Webmaster

Farmer, Firefighter, Food Scientist, Horse Trainer, Manufacturing Training Assistant, Meteorologist, Navigator, Physician Assistant, Technical Editor, Technician