Careers & Degree Path
Careers in Geology
Geoscientists seek to understand the Earth’s composition, natural systems, and history. Our understanding of processes such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides, floods, land subsidence, coastal processes, and climate changes have a tremendous impact on human activity and, indeed, human life! Humans depend on Earth’s resources including surface and ground water, soils for growing crops and building materials, fossil and nuclear fuels, metallic and non-metallic building materials. Geoscientists work to find and manage such resources. Deciphering Earth’s long history may provide us with potential insights into our own future.
In addition to natural resource companies including the mining and fossil fuel industries, Geologists are routinely employed by research agencies including those in federal, state and local governments as well as non-profit organizations; geologic engineering, hydrological, and environmental consulting firms; and secondary schools, colleges and universities. Most entry-level work requires a bachelor’s degree. Graduate degrees are often required for research and supervisory geologists as well as post-secondary faculty positions. Most graduate degrees focus on specialties including but not limited to geochemistry, geophysics, paleontology, planetary geology, geological/mining/petroleum engineering, and hydrology. Other fields/majors such as civil engineering, forestry, sustainability, and environmental sciences either require or strongly recommend some background courses in geology.
Many geoscientists spend some time in the field gathering samples, collecting data and/or determining spatial relationships. An office or laboratory environment is often used for data analysis and synthesis often using computers for the preparation of written reports, maps, and cross-sections.
If the study of the Earth captivates you, please consider starting your career in the Geological Sciences!
With a degree in Geology, GCC graduates have become geologists in Arizona's Departments of Environmental Quality and Water Resources and the U.S. Geological Survey; in petroleum and mining industries; in geotechnical consulting firms; as well as geoscience professors in universities and community colleges; curators in natural history museums; and K-12 teachers. Check out these Geology Career Resources:
- U.S Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Geoscientists
- American Geosciences Institute's Earth Science Career Resources
- American Geosciences Institute's Status of Recent Geoscience Graduates 2021
- Geology.com Careers Page
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.