Master\u2019s Degree in Geology \u2013 Two Year Duration\nMany geologists hold a Master\u2019s Degree in Geology. At this level, students typically choose a concentration within geoscience. Among the major specializations are: \n
\n- Engineering Geology \u2013 geology applied to design and construction of buildings and infrastructure
\n- Environmental Geology \u2013 geology applied to protecting the environment and solving environmental problems
\n- Geochemistry \u2013 study of the chemical composition of rocks and fluids and the chemical processes of the Earth
\n- Geochronology \u2013 study of the age of rocks, fossils, and sediments
\n- Geomorphology \u2013 study of the origin and evolution of features created by chemical and physical processes on or close to the Earth\u2019s surface
\n- Geophysics \u2013 study of the physics of the Earth: internal structure, earthquakes, gravity, geomagnetism; used to search for oil and mineral deposits
\n- Hydrogeology \u2013 study of underground and surface water
\n- Igneous Petrology \u2013 study of igneous rock formed from magma or lava
\n- Metamorphic Petrology \u2013 study of how rocks are affected by heat and pressure to produce metamorphic rocks and minerals
\n- Natural Hazards \u2013 study of phenomena like earthquakes, landslides, floods, volcanoes, etc.
\n- Natural Resources \u2013 geology applied to the extraction of energy sources: oil, coal, natural gas, uranium, and alternative sources like geothermal energy
\n- Oceanography \u2013 study of ocean chemistry, ocean floor geology, ocean waves and currents
\n- Paleontology \u2013 study of fossils, from dinosaurs to microorganisms
\n- Planetary Science \u2013 study of the geology of other celestial bodies, such as planets and asteroids
\n- Remote Sensing \u2013 use of aerial sensing technologies for resource discovery and geological mapping of the Earth and other planets
\n- Sedimentology \u2013 study of sediments, what they reveal about past environments, and how they impact energy and other resources
\n- Seismology \u2013 study of seismic waves that pass through the Earth
\n- Stratigraphy \u2013 study of the order, nature, and rates of change of geological processes and events, to build geological maps and databases
\n- Structural Geology \u2013 study of rock movement and deformation and how rocks respond to stress
\n- Unconventional Energy \u2013 geology applied to sustainable energy sources like geothermal energy, wind power, and tidal power
\n- Volcanology \u2013 study of volcanoes and related hazards
\n
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Master\u2019s graduates in geology qualify for many senior roles in the field.
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Doctoral Degree in Geology \u2013 Four to Five Year Duration
\nDoctoral programs in geology offer students opportunities to combine laboratory and field research in the area of their specialization. See the list of specializations above, under the heading Master\u2019s Degree in Geology. While conducting extensive research for their dissertation, students at this level are exposed to different research techniques, equipment, and software. They also do a significant amount of academic writing.
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Doctoral graduates often become research scientists, university lecturers and professors, government advisors, and geological industry leaders.
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:36.266614-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T14:02:59.574640-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 311, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Geology", "summary_markdown": "**[Engineering Physics](/degrees/engineering-physics-degree/)** \r\nStudents of engineering physics learn how to use physics to solve practical problems. For this reason, the field is sometimes referred to as the bridge between physics and engineering. Coursework includes computational physics, materials science, thermodynamics, and nanotechnology. \r\n\r\n**[Environmental Science](/degrees/environmental-science-degree/)** \r\nThe basis of this discipline is that all natural things interact. Individuals who earn a degree in environmental science develop plans to prevent, control, or find solutions to environmental issues, such as pollution. \r\n\r\n**Atmospheric Sciences** \r\nWhile meteorology is the study of weather, especially weather forecasting, atmospheric science is the wider, all-encompassing study of the atmosphere, including climatology, air quality, and meteorology. \r\n\r\n**[Meteorology](/degrees/meteorology-degree/)** \r\nMeteorology degree programs teach students how to predict weather conditions. The typical curriculum examines atmospheric movement, climate trends, and ozone levels. With an understanding of these concepts, students learn about various meteorological phenomena. They learn how to use statistical analysis to forecast weather events from sun, clouds, and rain to heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, tropical storms, tornados, and hurricanes. \r\n\r\n**[Geography](/degrees/geography-degree/)** \r\nStudents of geography study the earth\u2019s surface; its climate, soil, and water; and the relationship between people and the land. Some typical courses in a geography program are cartography, climatology, geology, political geography, statistics, and spatial analysis.", "content_markdown": "**[Landscape Architecture](/degrees/landscape-architecture-degree/)** \r\nA landscape architecture degree program teaches students both creative and technical skills. Landscape architects apply these skills to plan outdoor spaces and landscapes, such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, residential areas, and college campuses. Courses specific to landscape architecture include horticulture, hydrology, geology, environmental design, and landscape design. \r\n\r\n**[Marine Biology](/degrees/marine-biology-degree/)** \r\nStudents who earn a degree in marine biology study marine organisms and their behaviors and interactions with the environment.\r\n\r\n**[Petroleum Engineering](/degrees/petroleum-engineering-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in petroleum engineering teach students how to find and safely and environmentally remove petroleum and natural gas from the earth. \r\n\r\n**[Soil Science](/degrees/soil-science-degree/)** \r\nSoil science degree programs are focused on the formation, ecology, and classification of soil. Students take courses in seed science, fertilizers, geology, weed science, and genetics.", "content_html": "
Landscape Architecture
\nA landscape architecture degree program teaches students both creative and technical skills. Landscape architects apply these skills to plan outdoor spaces and landscapes, such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, residential areas, and college campuses. Courses specific to landscape architecture include horticulture, hydrology, geology, environmental design, and landscape design.
\n
Marine Biology
\nStudents who earn a degree in marine biology study marine organisms and their behaviors and interactions with the environment.
\n
Petroleum Engineering
\nDegree programs in petroleum engineering teach students how to find and safely and environmentally remove petroleum and natural gas from the earth.
\n
Soil Science
\nSoil science degree programs are focused on the formation, ecology, and classification of soil. Students take courses in seed science, fertilizers, geology, weed science, and genetics.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:36.268988-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T14:05:45.225562-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 311, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "- Observation \r\n- Data collection, management, and analysis \r\n- Quantitative Reasoning \r\n- Pattern recognition \r\n- Technical / IT skills \r\n- Report writing \r\n- Project Management \r\n- Oral and written communication \r\n- Teamwork \r\n- Field skills / comfortable working outdoors", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:36.271264-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T13:58:30.298345-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 311, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Geology Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Because of the specific nature of geology, many graduates in the field work in roles that are directly related to their degree. Here are some of the common occupational categories: \r\n\r\n**Engineering Geology** \r\nEngineering geologists often work for consulting engineering firms. They conduct studies of sites for potential construction projects, and their findings determine how foundations and other structures should be designed and built. \r\n\r\n**Environmental Geology** \r\n[Environmental consultants](/careers/environmental-consultant/) analyze on-site samples of data and assess related environmental issues. Their objective is to ensure that development projects are environmentally responsible. Environmental risk managers may be responsible for analyzing and providing information on things like contaminated land, waste management, and the impacts of pollution and climate change. They often work for government agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). \r\n\r\n**Hydrogeology / Water Resources** \r\nResearch hydrogeologists work for environmental regulators, national and local governments, and water companies. Their work may involve sampling the chemistry of groundwater (water that collects or flows beneath the Earth\u2019s surface) to establish baselines. \r\n\r\n**Natural Hazards and Risk** \r\nTwo of the major roles in this subfield of geoscience are [volcanologist](/careers/volcanologist/) and seismologist.\r\nThese [scientists](/careers/scientist/) may work for government agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey. \r\n\r\n**Mining and Quarrying** \r\nIn this sector, *mine geologists*, *exploration geologists*, *exploration geophysicists*, and *remote sensing geologists* are employed by mining companies or work as independent [consultants](/careers/consultant/) to the industry. They apply their expertise to the search for and extraction of mineral resources. \r\n\r\n**Energy / Oil and Gas** \r\nGeologists who work with energy firms, oil and gas producers, and exploration companies use their knowledge in the search for and production of hydrocarbon reserves.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Because of the specific nature of geology, many graduates in the field work in roles that are directly related to their degree. Here are some of the common occupational categories:
\n
Engineering Geology
\nEngineering geologists often work for consulting engineering firms. They conduct studies of sites for potential construction projects, and their findings determine how foundations and other structures should be designed and built.
\n
Environmental Geology
\nEnvironmental consultants analyze on-site samples of data and assess related environmental issues. Their objective is to ensure that development projects are environmentally responsible. Environmental risk managers may be responsible for analyzing and providing information on things like contaminated land, waste management, and the impacts of pollution and climate change. They often work for government agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
\n
Hydrogeology / Water Resources
\nResearch hydrogeologists work for environmental regulators, national and local governments, and water companies. Their work may involve sampling the chemistry of groundwater (water that collects or flows beneath the Earth\u2019s surface) to establish baselines.
\n
Natural Hazards and Risk
\nTwo of the major roles in this subfield of geoscience are volcanologist and seismologist.\nThese scientists may work for government agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey.
\n
Mining and Quarrying
\nIn this sector, mine geologists, exploration geologists, exploration geophysicists, and remote sensing geologists are employed by mining companies or work as independent consultants to the industry. They apply their expertise to the search for and extraction of mineral resources.
\n
Energy / Oil and Gas
\nGeologists who work with energy firms, oil and gas producers, and exploration companies use their knowledge in the search for and production of hydrocarbon reserves.
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:36.273400-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:38.909818-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
