Preparation
 A
bachelor's degree is adequate for a few entry-level positions, but most
geoscientists and hydrologists need a master's degree, which is the
preferred educational requirement for most research positions in private
industry, Federal agencies, and State geological surveys. A Ph.D. is
necessary for most high-level research and college teaching positions,
but is generally not required for other jobs.
Many colleges and
universities offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees in the geosciences.
Traditional geoscience courses emphasizing classical geologic methods
and topics (such as mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, stratigraphy,
and structural geology) are important for all geoscientists. People who
study physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, or computer
science may also qualify for some geoscience positions if their course
work includes geology.
Most universities do
not offer degrees in hydrology, but instead offer concentrations in
hydrology or water studies in their geoscience, environmental science,
or engineering departments. Students interested in hydrology should take
courses in the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering
science, soil science, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric
science, geology, oceanography, hydrogeology, and the management or
conservation of water resources.
Computer skills are
essential for prospective geoscientists and hydrologists; students who
have experience with computer modeling, data analysis and integration,
digital mapping, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) will be the most prepared entering the job market. Knowledge of
the Global Positioning System (GPS) -- a locator system that uses
satellites -- has also become essential. Some employers seek applicants
with field experience, so a summer internship is often helpful.
Because geoscientists
and hydrologists usually work as part of a team with other geoscientists
and with environmental scientists, engineers, and technicians, they must
have good interpersonal skills. Strong oral and written communication
skills also are important because writing technical reports and research
proposals and explaining research results in person are important
aspects of the work. Some jobs, particularly for petroleum geologists,
require foreign travel, and for these positions knowledge of a second
language is beneficial.
Geoscientists must be
inquisitive, able to think logically, and capable of complex analytical
thinking, including spatial visualization and the ability to infer
conclusions from sparse data. Geoscientists and hydrologists involved in
fieldwork must have physical stamina
 Geoscience
Departments
There are over 800
hundred geoscience programs offered throughout the United States. Some
universities have more than one program, with each housed in a different
department. According to the American
Geological Institute, the number of students enrolled in the geosciences
in US colleges and universities remained relatively steady in 2007 based
on preliminary numbers, with 19,216 undergraduates and 7,944 graduate
students enrolled. AGI manages a
web-based listing of U.S. geoscience departments.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by
the
American Geological Institute and the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
|
|
