undergraduate
Geology and earth science
Best schools with geology and earth science
What is a geology and earth science major?
The geology and earth science track involves the scientific study of the earth, the forces acting upon it, and the behavior of the solids, liquids, and gases comprising it. It includes instruction in historical geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, the chemistry of rocks and soils, stratigraphy, mineralogy, petrology, geostatistics, volcanology, glaciology, geophysical principles, and applications to research and industrial problems.
of students said a highlight of this major was the fascinating subject.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said complex concepts were a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do geology and earth science majors make?
median average salary
$75,000/yr
The national average salary for geology and earth science graduates in the United States is $75,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $180,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $26,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, geology and earth science graduates typically make between $46,500 and $120,000 per year.
How popular is geology and earth science as a major?
Each year, around 6,390 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 140 students obtain an associate degree in geology and earth science. In 2021, 5,119 students received a bachelor's degree and 127 students received an associate degree. This is 16% fewer geology and earth science majors than there were in 2020. Geology and earth science is one of the most popular majors within environmental science.
Advice from geology and earth science majors
Share your experienceTime management and departmentalization is key. It would be best if you had separate study times for each subject. Even though they all eventually intertwine it gets difficult to differentiate what is necessary for each class if you put them all together.
Take your time with your classes. It is better to take less classes and do better in the class then take lots of credits and not be able to balance the work load. Make sure that this is your passion. Also study like crazy.
Apply the material you are learning to some of your interests! Practical application makes most of the material so much easier to learn.
My advice would be to engage in every opportunity in class and in the field studies. Be sure to participate in every field trip and be willing to learn everything possible. Be a sponge.
Keep trying! It can be not easy but it is so much fun to learn about.
