What can I do with a degree in geology?
Geologists are going to play a critical role in solving society’s future challenges — including sustainable development, fighting climate change, and ensuring the availability of vital resources like clean water, minerals for technology, and the development of the energy sources of the future.
Job Growth & High Salary Opportunities for Geology Graduates
On a national scale, geology jobs are projected to grow by 35% in the next decade — nearly 3 times the expected average growth rate of all jobs.
In Louisiana alone, there will be between 100,000 and 195,000 jobs created in fields like water management and oil/gas production over the next 20 years.
Plus, most of these jobs are high paying. The median annual pay for a geoscientist is $93,580 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What Do Geologists Do?
Geologists work in the future of energy production, carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, mining and mineral resources, hydrogeology, environmental protection, climate change, extra-terrestrial planetary exploration, history of life on Earth, and more.
You can work for many great employers, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS), National Aeronautic and Atmospheric Administration (NASA), Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM), private companies and firms, local government, and many more.
Geologists with a bachelor’s degree may choose to go on to get a master’s degree or may find employment in the following industries:
- Astrogeologist or planetary geologist
- Engineering geologist
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental geologist
- Geochemist
- Geological surveyor
- Geology professor
- Geomorphologist
- Geophysicist
- Gemologist
- Glacial geologist
- High school science teacher
- Hydrogeologist
- Mineralogist
- Mining geologist
- Natural history or natural science museum curator
- Oceanographer
- Paleontologist
- Petrologist
- Petroleum geologist
- Sedimentologist
- Soil scientist
- Seismologist
- Structural geologist
- Volcanologist
- And many more...
Prepare for a Career in Geology at UL Lafayette
Study geology in the School of Geosciences at UL Lafayette and get valuable hands-on experience that will prepare you for a rewarding and high-paying career.