How To Become A Geoscientist

Step 1: Start Learning About Earth Sciences in High School

You can start preparing to become a Geoscientist in High School by taking challenging science classes. Biology, Physics, and Chemistry are essential for this career. If available in your school, you should also consider taking Environmental Science or Earth Science classes.

Geoscientists also require strong math and computer skills, as the job involves detailed research and data analysis. Other useful skills for Geoscientists include:

• Observational skills
• Organizational skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Analytical skills

You should also have a willingness to travel, as Geoscientists often need to physically visit the sites that they survey.

Step 2: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Geosciences

Geoscientists typically need a Bachelor’s Degree in Geosciences, Earth Science, Geochemistry, or a related field to land entry-level positions after graduation.

A growing number of universities and colleges offer Geoscience degrees. However, Geoscience programs are not available everywhere. An alternative option is to major in a subset of Geosciences.

Geoscience is a broad field with many specializations. Some of the most common types of Geoscientists include:

• Geologists
• Petroleum Geologists
• Geophysicists
• Geochemists
• Paleontologists
• Seismologists

Earning a degree in any of these fields can lead to a career as a Geoscientist. The Geosciences often include courses in Petrology, Mineralogy, and Structural Geology. You may also complete courses in Math, Engineering, and Computer Science.

Step 3: Accept an Internship or Join a Summer Field Program

A Bachelor’s Degree in Geosciences is the main requirement for Geoscientist jobs, but employers also tend to prefer candidates with work experience. Gaining experience in the field or a laboratory setting during college may increase your employability.

Look for student employment opportunities while completing your Bachelor’s degree. Depending on the school that you attend, you may have access to internships with companies in the gas industry. You may also find open positions for research assistants, allowing you to work with professors and other students to further your education.

If you cannot find internship opportunities through your school, check with the American Geological Institute (AGI). The AGI Workforce Program offers a 12-week paid internship during the summer semesters in their headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. You can also find a list of additional internships and fellowships on the AGI website.

Step 4: Apply for Entry-Level Geoscientist Positions

After graduation, you can start applying for entry-level positions in the Geosciences field. Companies in the oil and gas industry are the main employers for Geoscientists. These companies often require geological surveys to examine existing fossil-fuel reserves and to find new ones.

You may also explore career opportunities with environmental agencies and nonprofits that look for ways to protect the earth. Other options include local, state, and federal agencies. You can also explore job opportunities at architectural and engineering firms.

No matter the industry, entry-level Geoscience jobs often involve field monitoring. You may need to visit the sites of engineering projects to assess the geological impact. Other job duties include data collection and analysis.

Step 5: Obtain a Geology License in Your State

The National Association of State Boards of Geology states that 31 states currently have licensing requirements for Geoscientists. Typically, if your job involves services that are available to the public, you need to obtain a specific state license.

The requirements vary from state to state. The most common requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree in Geoscience or Geology and three to five years of work experience. In some states, a Master’s Degree or a PhD may count toward your work experience.

If your state requires licensing, the process is administered by the ASBOG. Licensing exams are held twice per year. However, each state has a separate regulatory agency for handling the application for the exam and the approval of the license.

Step 6: Join a Professional Organization

Joining a professional organization is not a requirement to become a Geoscientist. However, membership with a Geosciences organization can lead to new career opportunities and useful resources for staying aware of developments in the field.

The main professional organization for Geoscientists in the United States is the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). The AGI is a nonprofit federation that includes over 50 organizations that represent Geoscientists.

Becoming an AGI member exposes you to various programs that may further your career. For example, you may find research positions, fellowships, and scholarships for continuing your education.

The Geological Society of America (GSA) is another major professional association. As with the AGI, the GSA is open to all subsets of the Geoscientist career, including Geologists and Geochemists. The association has 18 divisions to cater to the various Geoscientist specializations.

Step 7: Obtain a Doctorate or a PhD in Geosciences

As with many research-based careers, advancing in this field may require an advanced degree. You may need to obtain a Master’s Degree or PhD in Geosciences for senior-level positions.

Instead of obtaining a Graduate degree in Geosciences, you may choose to focus on a specific area. There are many types of Geoscientists and subgroups with separate degree programs. Related degrees include:

• Geology
• Geochemistry
• Geophysics
• Oceanography
• Paleontology
• Seismology

Depending on your specialization, you may gain more specialized knowledge by majoring in one of these fields of study.

Advanced education also opens the doors to an alternative career path, working as an Academic Researcher or a Geosciences Professor. These jobs typically require a PhD in the field that you want to research.