WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN...

EARTH AND OCEAN SCIENCES

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earth and o·cean sci·ence

Any of several sciences, such as geology, oceanography, and meteorology, that study the origin, composition, and physical features of the Earth.* *"Earth Sciences."

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary

. Houghton Mifflin Company. 18 Dec. 2009. .

Earth & Ocean Sciences Majors Study

The Earth and its history Geological processes The monitoring, assessing, and researching causes of earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes worldwide The conducting geologic mapping of land and seafloor resources energy and mineral resources on national and global scales ...and more

Specializations

Most undergraduate programs offer a general course of study as well as many specializations that can be pursued with additional study. These include (but are not limited to): –Bachelor's degree/entry level • GIS specialist • Hydrologist • Environmental scientist • Staff geologist • Seismologist • Mining engineer • Environmental consultant • • • • • • • • • –Further education required Mining geologist Geologist Geological oceanographer Petroleum geologist Geophysicists Paleontologist Environmental lawyer Geological engineer Valconologist

Geology At The University Of South Carolina

Undergraduate Degrees Degrees:

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Majors:

• Concentration in Environmental Geosciences – Intensive Major in Geological Sciences – Intensive Major with a Concentration in Marine Geology – Degree with Distinction in Geological Sciences • B.S. in Geophysics – Degree with Distinction in Geophysics • The university also offers a Minor Geological Sciences and Geophysics

Geology At The University Of South Carolina Graduate Degrees

The School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment offers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Geological Sciences and Marine Science , as well as a Master of Earth & Environmental Resource Management (M.E.E.R.M.) degree and dual M.E.E.R.M. & Juris Doctor degrees in collaboration with the USC School of Law.

Geology Majors Develop Skills In

• Investigation

– Define research problems – Develop research models – Establish hypothesis – Gather/analyze data – Evaluate ideas – See relationships among factors – Draw meaningful conclusions – Field sampling

• Communication

– Develop/write research proposals – Review scientific literature – Summarize research findings – Inform, explain, instruct – Prepare technical reports

Geology Majors Develop Skills In

• Computation – Measure distances/ sizes/relationships – Perform calculations – Mathematical modeling – Maintain records – Utilize math formulas • Technical – Design equipment – Identify materials/ specimens – Observe data – Establish/control designs – Design computer simulations – Use technical instruments

Employment

• The undergraduate degree alone in geology

does not

always directly lead to a career as a professional geologist.

• The degree

does

provide you with an excellent interdisciplinary sciences background and is valuable for almost any type of work involving both physical and life science.

Employment Settings

•

Business & Commerce:

Includes management and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business & Commerce

• Computer Analyst • Environmental Lawyer • Industrial Hygienist • Environmental Consultant • Surveyor • Forest Ranger • Landscape Manager • Materials Analyst • Park Manager • Pollution Control Specialist • Urban Planner

Employment Settings

•

Outdoor Field Work:

Includes both studying and working with and in the outdoors. Encompasses everything from management to urban planning.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Outdoor Field Work

• Astronomer • Geodynamicist • Geophysical Explorer • Glacial Geologist • Land Surveyor • Meteorologist • Paleoceanographer • Petrologist • Sedimentologist • Hydrologist • Soil Scientist • Stratigrapher • Volcanologist • Cartographer • Environmental Consultant • Forest Ranger • Geologist • Hydrogeologist • Mineralogist • Environmental Geologist • Urban Planner • Surveyor

Employment Settings

•

Research

:

Includes technicians, researchers, and technologists. Also incorporates laboratory work and the education of peers.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Research

• Astronomer • Geodynamicist • Glacial Geologist • Meteorologist • Paleoceanographer • Petrologist • Volcanologist • Water Remote Sensing Interpreter • Water Quality Control Technician • Geologist • Hydrogeologist • Instrumental Technician • Paleoclimatologist • Planetary Geologist • Geochemist • Geomorpholgist • Geophysics Technician • Laboratory Technician • Materials Analyst

Employment Settings

•

Education

:

Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing. Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education

• Administrator • Admissions Evaluator • Author/Writer • Career Counselor • College or University Professor • Financial Aid Director • Guidance Counselor • Health Educator • Lecturer • Primary School Teacher • Program Manager • Residence Hall Director • Secondary School Teacher • Student Affairs Professional • Text Writer • Medical Librarian

Other Occupational Settings

• Energy industry (Petroleum, Coal, Natural Gas) • Natural history museums • Engineering consulting firms • Scientific journals • Environmental consulting firms • Testing labs • Environmental advocacy groups • Travel/Tourism (ecotourism companies) • Minerals industry • Waste management companies

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want

• Pursue an excellent academic record • Obtain part-time, summer, or internship work experience • Volunteer with service and counseling organizations • Become fluent in a foreign language • Obtain an advanced degree and/or certification in order to perform substantive counseling work • Obtain a minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Language, business, education) • Develop strong writing and speaking skills

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want

• Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills • Become comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures • Acquire sales experience • Become active in peer mediation groups if available • Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups • Obtain teaching certification • Shadow the work of a professional

Books

Books and Web Resources

Web Resources Great Jobs for Geology Majors by Blythe Camensen Earthworks jobs http://www.earthworks-jobs.com

/ WetFeet Insider Guide to Careers in Oil and Gas by WetFeet Staff Geology.com http://geology.com

Earth Science jobs http://www.earthsciencejobs.co.uk/i ndex.php

Resources for more information

USC’s Department of Geology www.geol.sc.edu/index.htm

Career Center library http://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html

Geology Related Websites http://www.sc.edu/career/la/geology.html

College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Program www.sc.edu/career/cascdp/index.html

Career Center Contact Information

University of South Carolina Career Center

6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC 29208 Phone: 803-777-7280 On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career )