Career Guide

Overview

The Geology major is offered by the Department of Geology and Environmental Science within the College of Science & Mathematics.

Concentrations

• Environmental and Engineering Geology
• General Geology

Admission and Progression Standards

Visit the Major Snapshots site to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major.

Description of Major 

Geology is offered as a major and minor at JMU through the Department of Geology and Environmental Science. The Geology major prepares students for professional employment and graduate school in the geosciences. The geosciences include interests such as natural hazards, water resources, soil science, climate change and paleoclimate, mineral resources and rocks, paleontology, earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics.  Students develop laboratory skills using state-of-the art analytical equipment housed within the department.  Experiences also include an emphasis on field-based skills including geologic and surficial mapping using GPS, GIS, and LIDAR/drone technologies. The major includes a capstone field course with a study abroad opportunity. Each student completes a research project mentored by one or more faculty members with opportunities for internships or collaborations with companies, government agencies, or other universities.  

The Geology degree includes a concentration of specialized upper-level courses based upon student interests.  The concentrations include:  

• Environmental and Engineering Geology 
• Life, Ocean and Climate and 
• Solid Earth and Tectonics 
• Or choose a combination of upper-level electives. 

The department also offers an Environmental Earth Science major. 

More About the Field 

Geology is the study of the Earth. The composition, structure and interior processes of the Earth are fundamental to all areas of geology. Time and the evolution of the Earth and life on Earth are unique aspects of science. The study of Earth surface processes has recently become one of the most dynamic sub-disciplines. Surface processes are the processes that alter the surface of the Earth, produce the landscape, and control the distribution of water and soil resources. The Earth as a life support system and the limitations of the earth are evolving as major areas of effort for geologists. Geoscience is the science of exploration, discovery, and Earth stewardship. The geosciences address all issues relating to Earth Systems, including the solid Earth, oceans, and atmosphere. The major applications of the geosciences are: exploration and responsible development of natural resources (oil, gas, coal, minerals, construction aggregate, water, soil), preservation of the natural environment, restoration from environmental damage, mitigation of geohazards such as earthquakes and landslides, and exploratory research like the Mars space mission and understanding El Niño. By addressing these issues and developing solutions to problems affecting the Earth, geoscientists act as stewards of the Earth. Though much has been learned about the Earth through earth science, much more is yet to be discovered, especially as new problems face society, such as global climate change, advances in technology, and exhaustion of energy and raw material supplies.

Specialization

The geosciences are interdisciplinary by nature and cover a vast array of topics including everything on Earth (and other planets). The geosciences integrate knowledge from other STEM disciplines, such as chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology, as applied to the Earth.  Consequently, most geoscientists focus on specific skills and subdisciplines or areas of knowledge.  Some of the important subdisciplines are: geochemistry, geophysics, petrology (the study of rocks), energy resources (petroleum, natural gas, geothermal, etc.) mineralogy and mineral resources, geomorphology, paleoclimatology, paleontology, soil science, geomorphology, hydrology, volcanology, and geoscience education. 

Complementary Majors and Minors 

Geology majors commonly acquire minors in Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Studies, Geographic Studies, Geophysics, Integrated Science and Technology, Mathematics, Materials Science, Physics, Sociology, or Urban and Regional Studies.

Characteristics of Successful Students

Students at JMU have access to state-of-the-art analytical laboratory facilities and field equipment, and graduates are recruited for employment because of their laboratory and field skills gained through our program. Required and elective courses in the curriculum focus on knowledge and quantitative skills that are attractive to employers and graduate schools.  Enthusiasm, strong verbal and written communication skills, persistence, and the ability to work well with others in a team are additional valuable skills. Because the geosciences are broad and interdisciplinary, the program is inclusive of a wide range of student interests. 

Careers

Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose nontraditional career fields that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.

• Aerial Photographer
• Agricultural Engineer
• Cartographer
• Cooperative Extension Agent
• Earth Science Teacher
• Economic Geologists
• Energy Resource Geologist
• Engineering Technician
• Environmental Attorney
• Environmental Engineer
• Environmental Geologist
• Field Technician
• Geochemist
• Geologist
• Geophysics Technician
• Geotectonics Specialist
• Hydrologist
• Laboratory Technician
• Landscape Architect
• Marine Geologist
• Materials Analyst
• Meteorologist
• Mineralogist
• Mining Engineer
• Museum Consultant
• Museum Researcher
• Paleontologist
• Park Naturalist
• Petroleum Engineer
• Petroleum Geologist
• Petrologist
• Planetary Geologist
• Pollution Control Specialist
• Prospector
• Regional Planner
• Seismologist
• Soil Scientist
• Stratigrapher
• Surveyor
• Technical Consultant
• Technical Writer
• Urban/ Regional Planner
• Volcanologist
• Wetland Ecologist

Who Employs Graduates?

School Systems (K-12), Bureau of Land Management (Fed Gov), Bureau of Mines (Fed Gov), Coal Companies, Colleges/Universities, Construction Firms, Department of Defense (Fed Gov), Department of Energy (Fed Gov), Environmental Agencies, Environmental Protection Agency (Fed Gov), Equipment Suppliers, Federal/State/Local Government Agencies, Independent Drilling Companies, Mining Companies, Museums, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (Fed Gov), National Laboratories, Petroleum Companies, Oil/Gas Companies, Quarries, Railroad Companies, Research Firms, US Geological Survey (Fed Gov), or Well Drilling Services Companies.

Students with this degree are competitive for entry into graduate programs (MS, PhD) in the geosciences.  Tuition for graduate school in most geoscience programs is waived, and students are paid stipends as research or teaching assistants. 

Internships and Experiential Opportunities 

Practicum, internships, and other forms of individual study are available to all students majoring in Geology. Students should contact faculty coordinators in their areas of interest to gain further information. 

View our list of internship coordinators for each major.

Career Profiles 

• Environmental Scientists and Specialists
• Geoscientists
• Hydrologists