<p>Can any geology majors tell me about the major's advantages and disadvantages?</p>
<p>I was just going to post this. I’m interested as well.</p>
<p>I know a few geologists who work in the oil industry. Here are some pros/cons:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you like geology, that is obviously a good reason to study it. Many geologists really do seem to find the field fascinating.</li>
<li>The salary can be very good, especially in resource extraction.</li>
<li>You may get to live in or visit places that would otherwise be unlikely.</li>
<li>Geologists have value in both research and more applied areas.</li>
<li><p>If you like field work, it is often a part of most geology programs.</p></li>
<li><p>Most extraction industries (especially oil and gas) have boom/bust cycles. One year you will be wined and dined for jobs, but a few later you may be unemployed. Consulting positions are often the most volatile.</p></li>
<li><p>Some of those exotic locales may not be the most appealing places to live.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>There used to be a few practicing geologists on this forum. Perhaps some of them may stop by to give a first-hand opinion.</p>
<p>From what I understand, a masters degree will be required for most serious industry positions. A PhD is obviously needed for academia.</p>
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<p>What can one do with a BS in Geology?</p>
<p>[Geoscientists</a> and Hydrologists](<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos312.htm]Geoscientists”>http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos312.htm)</p>
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<p>well anyways, what are the academics like?</p>
<p>im sure everyone loves field work, but im not sure if everyone would enjoy a petrology course</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>In response to academics:</p>
<p>my program is very broad. You can take classes on geophysics, hard rock stuff, oceanography, hydrogeology, geochemistry, climate modeling, paleontology… my program is also very small, so there aren’t too many classes and I’ve ended up taking a few classes in everything. I’ve also put more of a biology/geobiology emphasis on my coursework. I think a lot of geology programs out there are pretty broad so you can tailor is to focus on chemistry, biology, mathematics, or more of a pure geology degree.</p>
<p>Most of my classes have had required field trips. Those have always been fun.</p>
<p>I could cover much more about the type of coursework and other things about classes, siglio. Just ask away!</p>
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<p>Hi! I was wondering how a college b.s. program in geology compares in difficulty to a program in one of the other sciences like biology or chemistry? Would someone of average intelligence with average grades, in your opinion, be able to do the coursework? Is it a lot of memorizing, or more hands-on lab work? How much math/calculations are involved in the courses? And finally, do you think it matters if you go to a state school or a much more nationally recognized school as far as jobs go? Thanks!</p>
<p>In terms of difficulty… hmm. Well, I personally think geology is a lot easier than chemistry and biology. Of course, that’s because I think it’s really, really fascinating, and that makes any subject a lot easier, ha.
I think an “average student” would definitely be able to thrive. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still science–there’s a lot of chemistry and physics involved in a lot of classes–but it’s very applied. Taking basic science and being able to look around and understand what’s going on in the natural world. Geology does have a little bit of memorizing, but ultimately it’s about “the big picture.” It’s definitely a hands-on field, and that’s why so many of my friends love it/are good at it, regardless of how strong their scientific background is.</p>
<p>One reason why biology classes were so painful for me was the fact that I was surrounded by premeds. That always messed with grades and it was very mechanical. They come to class to learn to get good grades. On the other hand, my geology friends are really into geology, and they go into geo classes more excited to learn. I’d actually have to say that material-wise, my geology classes were as hard as (or sometimes even harder than) a lot of the biology classes I’ve taken. However, they didn’t feel as hard just because of the atmosphere. Now, that’s been my personal experience, so some people here might disagree, haha.</p>
<p>For undergrad, I don’t think it matters where you go, as long as you get the basics. For most geology jobs you need a master’s anyway. Even then, I don’t think it matters that much. This is what I -think- based on what I’ve heard, but I’m not a professional geologist, so I’m not sure how qualified that answer is, haha.</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
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