<p>I am currently an accounting major, but I've been strongly considering switching to geology. I feel like I would really enjoy studying geology, but I'm just worried about the job opportunities upon graduation. Accounting is probably a much more stable career choice.</p>
<p>So what is the job outlook for geology majors? Is it a degree worth pursuing?</p>
<p>Depends on what you want to do. Personally, I couldn’t stop at the BS because I would not enjoy mudlogging or working water wells. Geology is a much broader field than people give it credit for. There are geologists working for major insurance companies (modeling disasters), mining, energy, environmental, academia, infrastructure, etc.</p>
<p>I would definitely say that accounting is a more stable career choice. Geology (mining and oil and gas) are tied to the commodity prices. Prices drop, we lose our jobs. The oil and gas industry has its stories of boom and bust cycles, but with demand going through the roof and US production spikes many think that another bust like in the 80’s will probably not happen again (at least not on that scale). However, it is one of the highest paid majors out there (with an MS). Plan on getting the MS, it is definitely worth it and you will have trouble getting a job without it. </p>
<p>Job outlook for energy is looking pretty good at the moment. Almost 100% of the geology students I know have jobs lined up before they graduate (many with several offers). No one knows what the future holds. The rates at which companies are hiring geologist and engineers today will most likely end in the next couple of years. Petroleum engineering departments have seen a huge influx in students over the past several years and they are warning industry and incoming students of the pending engineering glut (whenever that does happen). Geology has certainly seen a influx in students since I entered undergrad. My graduate department is declining students at rates they have never seen before, accepting around 10%. Most of the geologists in industry are looking at retirement at the moment. The company I will be working for only has one other geologist in his 20’s. All the geologists, at this location, ~15-20 are well into there 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Companies are preparing to fill their shoes with younger geologists before the Baby Boomers retire. </p>