Hi! I am applying to college for next year and I am very interested in environmental science. However, I noticed that many colleges also have a geology major, which also seems quite interesting. How are the job prospects for these majors and which one has better job prospects? Also, what is the major difference between the two majors? They seem very similar to me.
Looking at the UC Davis general catalog, I see that Environmental Science includes biology and Geology doesn’t. Geology requires the more rigorous math and physics course series. Environmental Science entails courses in planning (an important occupational area).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_102.htm) projects job growth of about 15% for both Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists during 2012-2022. (The all-occupations average is about 10%.) The BLS states the 2012 median pay for Environmental Scientists and Specialists was approx. $64,000 and that for Geoscientists was approx. $91,000.