The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers B. A. , B. S. , M. S. , and Ph. D. degrees in geology, a field that studies the earth’s composition, structure, prehistoric life, internal processes, and surface processes, as well as history. The discovery and utilization of energy, water, and mineral resources, environmental protection, and preparation for the effects of natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, etc.) are all impacted by these studies. ) on societal development. Students study geosciences in the classroom, laboratory and field. Since the Earth is our laboratory, geologists must go on field trips to observe the Earth’s functioning firsthand and conduct field research to increase our understanding. The geology major is for you if you enjoy being outside and traveling, as well as having a strong scientific aptitude.
With a major in Geology, a major in Topical Studies – Environmental Sciences, a minor in Geology and Environmental Studies, and graduate degrees with a Masters of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Geology, students in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences can earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
Generally speaking, the three degree levels one could pursue (Bachelor of Science/Arts, B S. , B. A. ; Master of Science, M. S. ; Doctor of Philosophy, Ph. D. ) permit progressively higher levels of education and, to some extent, higher rungs on the career ladder. The B. S. or B. A. would enable you to find entry-level, frequently technician-type employment where you would be supervised by individuals with the M S. degree. The M. S. is regarded as having a “professional degree,” or one that would eventually involve supervisory responsibilities. The Ph. D. allows one to conduct research at the university level or within industry. Remember that there are different opportunities for career advancement and that one’s personal goals, ambition, discipline, and conscientiousness can frequently advance one in a career more than simply the degree you possess.
The bachelor’s program in science is intended for students who want to become professional geologists or who want to continue their education after graduation. Students interested in a career in earth science and environmental policy, earth science education, business (environmental consulting), environmental law, or environmental medicine should consider the bachelor’s program. Geology majors can use their knowledge and abilities in a wide range of professions, including:
The M. S. and Ph. D. are achieved by attending graduate school. However, graduate students in earth sciences are supported as teaching and research assistants (TAs and RAs), unlike graduate students in other professional schools (dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy). You graduate with a degree in advanced studies, almost no debt, and even several job offers. Our graduates work in the public (state government, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Kentucky Geological Survey, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers) and the private sector (consulting firms for engineering, environmental, mining, and energy exploration) In general, more advanced degrees have higher starting salaries. For example, students with an M. S. Earn starting salaries of at least $65,000 per year in the energy industry, and Ph D. s can start at $100,000 per year.
What is earth science?
Earth science is the study of the natural world, including life, matter, and processes. In order to understand the current situation, predict the future, and learn about Earth’s history, those working in this field examine the characteristics and organic materials of land, air, and water. Their usual objective is to learn more about the planet in order to solve issues, improve health outcomes, and serve the public in other ways. Earth science encompasses countless concentrations, including:
11 types of earth science jobs
A gardener’s main responsibilities are to cultivate and control plant growth in an outdoor space. These experts may cultivate and landscape outdoor areas for commercial establishments, homes, neighborhoods, or private yards. Their main responsibilities usually involve planting and caring for seeds, providing water and fertilizer to plants, trimming and pruning bushes, shrubs, and trees, mowing lawns, and clearing out weeds, trash, and other debris from plant and grass areas. Gardeners can help customers grow food crops and create aesthetically pleasing lawns. They might garden fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs. These experts could focus on areas like composting, pest control, and soil analysis.
An environmental scientist’s primary responsibilities include studying organic matter and biological life in order to better understand the environment, safeguard natural resources, and promote public health. People who work in this field frequently are curious about how humans have affected and are still changing the local environment and ecosystems. Environmental scientists frequently publish their findings to the public and offer policymakers advice on how to address environmental issues after carrying out extensive research projects, observing natural processes, and performing scientific experiments. These experts may concentrate on specific issues like pollution, garbage and litter, water quality, waste management, climate change, or hazardous chemicals.
A cartographer’s main responsibilities are to study geography and create accurate, detailed maps, charts, and other geographical resources. In order to do this, they gather, quantify, and analyze various types of data, assess geographic locations using a Geographic Information System (GIS), and research earlier maps, building codes, surveys, reports, aerial photos, and satellite images. For regional and urban planning and design, construction projects, education, science, research, environmental work, navigation, and other purposes, cartographers can create digital and printed maps and instructional diagrams. They are typically skilled at reading intricate maps, using specialized tools and equipment to analyze terrain, and using geographic software.
A science teacher’s main responsibilities are to instruct elementary, middle, and high school students in biology, physics, geography, and other scientific subjects. Their main responsibilities include planning and delivering lessons, assigning and grading homework and projects, giving out and grading exams, guiding field trips, and responding to questions from students. Throughout the school day, science teachers are in charge of keeping an eye on minors and promoting their health and wellbeing. Science teachers must adhere to state-mandated curricula, promote particular learning standards, and get students ready for standardized tests in addition to coming up with engaging learning programs and activities for the classroom.
A meteorologist’s main responsibilities include studying past and present atmospheric conditions in order to comprehend them and predict future atmospheric phenomena. These experts study the Earth’s atmosphere, which surrounds the planet and contains gases and air. All life on Earth, including people, animals, and plants, is shielded from the sun’s ultraviolet UV radiation by the atmosphere. Additionally, it keeps Earth’s temperature habitable, creates the pressure required for liquid water to exist, and supplies living things with the oxygen they need to breathe and survive. Weather, temperatures, natural disasters, air pollution, and global climate change are among the topics that meteorologists study.
In order to create sturdy foundations for civil engineering and construction projects, geotechnical engineers study and analyze the properties of geographical structures and materials such as soil, rocks, clay, silt, snow, groundwater, and pavement. To assess and reduce the risk of rockfalls, landslides, avalanches, and other hazardous events, these team members are in charge of evaluating the strength and stability of the ground and the foundations. Geotechnics, a subfield of engineering, is the technical study of rocks, minerals, and soil. Geotechnical engineers are a particular kind of engineer who use scientific and mathematical principles to resolve issues with construction.
An agronomist, also known as a crop scientist, is a specialist in the agricultural industry who develops strategies for cultivating, modifying, and using crops to address societal issues. They might aid in the growth of crops used to produce food, fuel, medicines, or other goods. In order to develop new tools and techniques that can assist farmers in raising the caliber and effectiveness of agricultural production, agronomists carry out research and experiments. Additionally, they develop and advocate strategies to protect natural resources and promote environmentally sound and sustainable farming methods. Crops like corn, barley, potatoes, rice, yams, oats, or soybeans are the main focus of agronomists.
A marine biologist’s main responsibilities include assessing the physiology, behaviors, and needs of marine organisms, or life forms that inhabit oceans. They might focus on species like fish, reptiles, sharks, whales, octopuses, algae, corals, or phytoplankton, among others. To understand the structure, characteristics, and processes of the ocean and other saltwater environments like estuaries and wetlands, these professionals also study oceanography and geology. When conducting fieldwork and research, marine biologists may enter bodies of water to gather samples and observe organisms. They might also carry out research, conduct experiments, and write reports while employed in a lab or office setting.
A geologist’s main responsibilities are to study the Earth’s surfaces and physical characteristics, usually with a focus on rocks, minerals, metals, geodes, and other materials of a similar nature. They investigate how Earth’s elements have changed, eroded, and formed over time in order to comprehend past, present, and future geological conditions. Oil, gases, water, and other naturally occurring resources that people regularly extract and use are also studied by geologists. Those in this position can explain and predict natural disasters, safeguard the environment, and preserve human life by learning more about the composition of Earth. Additionally, they can learn about the natural resources that are used to create goods like homes, roads, and computers.
An arborist’s main responsibilities include studying trees, vines, bushes, and other woody plants. Woody plants are those that have brittle stems, roots, grow above ground, and have a lifespan of more than two years. Arborists can specialize in a variety of deciduous and evergreen plant species, such as Weeping willows, firs, figs, sycamores, pines, oaks, and Sequoia trees. These experts work to protect woody plants in forests and ecosystems because they sustain life and serve as homes for both animals and humans. They focus on issues like development, horticulture, plant diseases, and tree surgery.
A biologist is a type of scientist who focuses on living things, such as plants, animals, and people. Biology is a very broad field that includes studying living things and their environments at the ecosystem, physiological, or cellular level. Biologists investigate these topics to learn crucial information about the natural world, address societal problems, and create useful products. To protect marine ecosystems and lessen pollution, some marine ecologists and biologists may concentrate on preserving coral reefs. Botanists, a subset of biologists, study plants and discover the most effective methods for fostering plant growth.
Careers in Earth and Space Sciences
FAQ
What type of jobs are for earth science?
- Astronomer*
- Civil Engineer.
- Engineering Geologist.
- Environmental Scientist*
- Forester.
- Geochemist*
- Geographer.
- Geologic Mapping.
What are 5 careers in Earth and space science?
- Astrobiologist.
- Economic Geologist.
- Elementary Science Teacher.
- Environmental Consultant.
- Environmental Engineer.
- Environmental Lawyer.
- Forest Ranger.
- Geochemist.
