OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do the processes of the earth’s formation fascinate you? Are you intrigued by the wealth of natural history embedded within the earth’s crust? Does mapping of geologic structures interest you? Would you like to work for a natural resource company, exploring for valuable mineral resources and analyzing their quantity and quality? Would you like to do seismic surveys for power plants, buildings, or highways? Would a career in geology teaching or research in schools, colleges, and private or national laboratories inspire you? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” and if you have a strong aptitude for mathematics, chemistry, and/or geology, you should consider a major in geology where you can use all of your skills to help solve resource evaluation and environmental problems.
The geology major is broad-based, allowing students to obtain a sound academic and practical basis for professional careers in private sector resource industries, federal and state natural resource management and regulatory agencies, education, or graduate training in specialized areas of geology or related fields, such as oceanography and geophysical sciences.
The geology curriculum provides a technical background within the broader framework of a liberal arts program. Emphasis is placed on integrating field studies in the Rocky Mountains with on-campus work in both the classroom and the laboratory. In addition to a solid core in earth resources students complete coursework in math, the physical and biological sciences, communications, and the liberal arts. Two concentrations are offered. Environmental Geology prepares students to address the environmental implications of geologic processes and human effects on the earth. Graduates find careers in environmental, engineering and groundwater firms, and in government agencies. The Geology concentration covers general geology using a practical, field oriented approach suited to employment opportunities in the petroleum and mining industries and other traditional geologic fields. By obtaining a teaching certificate graduates can teach earth sciences and related subjects in primary and secondary schools.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* A strong interest in geology
* Aptitude for natural sciences
* Interest in physical sciences
* Strong analytical ability
* Interest in computer applications
* Organizational and decision making skills
* Prefers hands on work
* Prefers working outdoors-in the field
* Well organized/attention to detail
* Adaptable to changing conditions and environments
* Able to work in a team and alone
* Able to write and speak accurately and clearly
* Interest in data and policy analysis
* Physical stamina
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
A variety of opportunities exist for geology graduates in the private and public sectors and in education. Petroleum companies, petroleum service companies, mining companies, power companies, computer software companies, and entrepreneurs hire geologists for exploration, development, mining, production and research. Federal government resource agencies use geologists for field mapping, oil-gas-coal-groundwater resource evaluation, geochemical water studies, leasing and conservation studies, resource restoration and rehabilitation programs, and research. State and local governments hire geologists for geologic and soils mapping, resource evaluation, public information, consulting, and writing. Environmental, Engineering and Groundwater firms use geologists for field mapping, restoration and rehabilitation planning, monitoring and evaluation of geologic hazards, and site evaluations for feasibility and implementation of construction projects, water reuse evaluation, groundwater pollution assessment, groundwater cleanup, and pollution prevention. Schools, colleges, universities, national laboratories, and private research firms employ geologists in a variety of teaching, research, and administrative positions.
Participation in internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can continue in one of a number of geological disciplines or can opt for related fields of study, such as seismology, hydrology, meteorology, oceanography, and the space sciences. Those with advanced degrees can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Career occupations include but are not limited to:
* Educator
* Environmental consultant
* Exploration geologist
* Environmental geologist
* Geologist
* Geophysicist
* Hydrologist
* Mining geologist
* Oceanographer
* Production geologist
* Researcher
* Resource evaluator
* Seismologist
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Geology Club
* American Association of Petroleum Geologists Student Chapter
* Natural Resources College Council
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MORE INFORMATION
Department of Geosciences
322 Natural Resources Building
1482 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1482
970-491-5661
http://welcome.warnercnr.colostate.edu/geo-ugrad-degrees/index.php
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.stuser.colostate.edu/
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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