Careers in the Geosciences: Suggested Web Links

There are a number of existing web sites that provide information on various aspects of careers in the geosciences.  Rather than reinvent the wheel and create our own web page, we suggest you check some of the existing web resources.  We've added some comments as additional background.

Very generally, the three levels of degrees which one could work toward (Bachelor of Science/Arts, B.S., B.A.; Master of Science, M.S.; Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D.) allow successively more advanced levels of study, and to a certain extent, higher rungs up the career ladder.  The B.S. or B.A. would permit you to find entry-level, often technician type of work in which you would work under the supervision of people with the M.S. degree.  The M.S. is viewed as the "professional degree", that is, one which would ultimately with supervisory responsibilities.  The Ph.D. permits one to conduct research either within industry or at the University level.  Keep in mind that career advancement opportunities vary, and that one's personal goals, ambition, discipline, and conscientiousness may often take one further in a career than simply which degree you hold.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is one of the primary professional associations for geoscientists.  In 1997 they published a brochure that summarizes most of the possible directions in which one can go as a geoscientist.  The web site holds a wealth of other information regarding the geosciences, in addition to that on careers.

The Geological Society of America (GSA) is an organization devoted more to geoscience education than professional development.  Although they do not have a "career" page, per se, they do have much useful information regarding geoscience issues.

American Association of Petroleoum Geologists (AAPG) is a professional organization primarily for the oil and gas industry.

Other Career-Related Links

University of Kentucky Career Center: click here.

U.S. Dept. of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook; a wealth of geoscience-specific career information: click here.

U.S. Minerals Management Service: click here.

U.S. Goverment Employment; there are many opportunities for geologists in various goverment agencies: click here.