<p>I'm a senior in high school applying for Geology programs now. The main three I'm considering are New Mexico State, Purdue, and Indiana University. I'm into science, but I also want good job prospects and travel, and geology seems like it provides all of that. I'd mostly be interested in working in resource exploration and extraction, if that helps. </p>
<p>If you’re from Indiana it makes almost no sense to consider NMSU. I’ve known successful geologists from both Purdue and IU. Both have good programs although to increase your employment prospects without grad school, you might want to consider getting GIS certified or majoring in geophysics. Keep in mind that geology is a very cyclically unemployed field.</p>
<p>I thought job prospects looked decent for the next 10 years? Oil, natural gas, gold, uranium? And I thought NMSU’s location would be better for the industry I want to work in, but I’m not sure. Thanks!</p>
<p>Job prospects for geologists do look good now and for the next 10 years. But things can and do change suddenly and sometimes unpredictably. That’s why the suggestion to get GIS certified is a good one–it would be a good fall-back if you end up graduating during a down cycle, or getting laid off. And if you like math and physics, geophysics would give you an edge over a regular geology degree.</p>
<p>I don’t know the specifics of the schools you are looking at, other than Indiana University’s program is well known and they have a great field camp in Montana. If you are able to visit the schools, it might help you with your decision. Best of luck. Geology is fascinating.</p>
<p>New Mexico State University has an acceptable geology program, but it’s otherwise a very poor school. IU and Purdue are much better choices if you can get in state tuition.</p>