I need help pursuing a degree. I am looking to gain my associates to land a stable job and continue on with my education which will most likely include a BS in one of the two, which would be the better choice in the job market right now, and in the future, any input would be appreciated.
My choices are I can either go to a smaller college and get my associates or go to an university and go straight for my BS. Would getting my associates first be beneficial?
I’d say it depends on your path. Looks like an environmental route. I don’t know a whole lot about the environmental side of geology or environmental science for that matter. I would say going straight through for the masters would be a good idea. Its always harder to go back to school. Between geology and environmental science I believe geology is a more technical degree. I think that would always benefit someone looking for a more technical job role.
An AS Geology isn’t likely to get you more or less than an AS Environmental Science. Neither is likely to get you far in working in these fields, which expect bachelor’s degrees.
With both a BS geology and a BS environmental science you can do environmentally related jobs (for instance, site remediation, which is a strong field for future employment). With geology there are also possibilities to develop a career in petroleum or mining. Environmental science lends itself to working in environmental health as well as remediation. There are about 2.6 times more people employed as environmental scientists than as geoscientists (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000) and 2.6 times more openings expected for them during 2014-2024 (http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_102.htm). However, geoscientists on average are earning more than environmental scientists. Geology programs generally are more rigorous (more higher math and physics), which makes them harder but will render you more capable.