Explore STEM - Career Fields for Earth Science Majors

The field of Earth Science contains sub categories such as geophysics, meteorology, oceanography, paleontology, and many more. At such a precarious point in Earth's history, issues such as climate change, severe pollution and threats of insufficient natural resources make Earth Science one of the most important branches within STEM. Many students are attracted to Earth Science careers, yet the specifics of what can be done with a degree in an Earth Science or Geology related program of study remain a bit confusing. Here we'll outline the major branches of Earth Science, summarize the responsibilities of each role and share the average salary and degree requirements within each category.

Sub Categories Within the Realm of Earth Science
Earth Science (also referred to as GeoScience) draws from the fields of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and even astronomy, since forces outside of our planet have a direct impact on its existence. Ten of the most popular fields in this industry include:

1. Soil Science. The need to produce food for nearly eight billion people on planet Earth make soil scientists essential for our very existence. Soil scientists frequently work for the government by interpreting, identifying, mapping and managing various types of soil. Their median annual salaries were almost $59,000 in 2012 and many applicants qualify for available positions with a bachelor's degree.
2. Seismology. Seismic waves (which can be caused by earthquakes, volcanic activity, detonation of nuclear weapons and more), along with their related effects such as tsunamis and landslides, are studied by seismologists.  Many work within the petroleum industry and as a whole received annual salaries of nearly $91,000 in 2012. A bachelor's degree in Earth Science, physics, math or geology may be sufficient for some positions in this field, but many require an advanced degree.
3. Hydrology. Interactions between water (in any form) and the Earth's crust are studied by hydrologists. These scientists often specialize further in either surface or ground water hydrology and almost one out of every three work for the federal government. Average salaries were $75,500 in 2012, but many hydrologists stay in school long enough to earn an advanced degree before beginning their careers.
4. Mineralogy. The physical properties of minerals (which make up all solid substances) on planet Earth are studied by mineralogists. Minerals are used in the production of goods which have become essential for modern life; mineralogists often work in laboratories, for mining companies or within universities. Mineralogists and seismologists are both categorized as geoscientists in terms of salary data, so average salaries were also recorded as nearly $91,000 in 2012. Many choose to obtain an advanced degree, but some enter the field with a bachelor's in geology, Earth Science or a related engineering field.    
5. Paleontology. The study of plant and animal fossils reveals vast amounts of data from Earth's past and is performed by paleontologists. Most of these professionals work in the realm of academia and therefore are required to complete an advanced degree before beginning their careers. Demand for such professionals is lower than other geoscience fields and annual salaries reflect this fact ($64,000 was the average in 2015), but those who are drawn to the field are often so passionate about their work that these issues are not deterrents.
6. Geophysics. Geophysicists use technology to "see" what is beneath the surface of the Earth without having to disturb surface features or excavate in any way. This allows them to create 3D maps which are useful in various applications ranging from engineering design, mineral prospecting, archaeology and beyond. Annual salaries are higher than other subcategories of Earth Science; in 2016, the average was a bit over $98,000. Many of these professionals have obtained an advanced degree in their field, although some get started with a bachelor's degree.
7. Volcanology. Aspects related to active and/or dormant volcanoes along with the underlying processes that create them are studied within the realm of volcanology. Volcanologists often work in remote, outdoor locations and must be willing to endure extreme conditions to obtain samples needed for their laboratory work. Most work for the government, private research organizations, or within the realm of academia and enjoy average annual salaries of nearly $91,000. A bachelor's degree may get your foot in the door, but most positions will require specialization along with an advanced degree.
8. Petroleum Geology. As the name implies, petroleum geologists perform work directly related to the discovery and evaluation of new pockets of petroleum (and natural gas) within the Earth's crust. Because of the high demand for fossil fuels in modern society, these individuals enjoy the highest average annual salaries in the realm of Earth Science ($112,000 in 2016). Those with an Earth Science related bachelor's degree are often able to find supportive positions in this field, however an advanced degree will be needed for most project management roles.
9. Oceanography. The field of oceanography is broad and professionals interested in dedicating themselves to the study of the ocean typically specialize in either marine biology, physical oceanography, chemical oceanography or geological oceanography. Teams of specialists often work together to collect data related to climate change, the overall health of life in our oceans, pollution levels and much more. Refer to the above summaries of mineralogists and seismologists for salary data, as oceanographers are also considered "geoscientists". The majority of professionals in this field specialize with an advanced degree.
10. Meteorology. Meteorologists are a relatively small number of scientists who study everything related to the Earth's atmosphere and weather. Contrary to popular belief, most meteorologists don't work for television stations but rather are employed by the government, private industries and institutions of higher learning (academia). Their average annual salaries are comparable to other Earth Science fields are were right around $90,000 in 2012. Due to the competitive and specialized nature of this work, most meteorologists earn an advanced degree prior to entering the field.

Internships Provide Valuable Experience for Earth Science Majors
Due to the specialized nature of careers within the realm of Earth Science, internships that provide hands on experience are invaluable when it comes to narrowing down your career options and developing a competitive resume. Many Earth Scientists do complete an advanced degree before beginning their careers, but since graduate programs are much more specialized than undergraduate programs, it is critical to have a clear understanding of which branch of Earth Science you're most attracted to before you select a program. Internship experience looks amazing on your resume and on graduate school applications - and will increase your chances of obtaining a full scholarship (or even fellowship) for your graduate studies. The paid internships provided through G.E.M. Environmental are ideal for Earth Science students, as our work emphasizes the importance of this branch of science.

G.E.M. Environmental supports STEM students through the provision of scholarships, paid internships, and field experiences. We hope the tips presented in our blog help you attain the career of your dreams!

Please feel free to share suggestions for future blog entries in the comment section below. If you're a STEM student, consider applying for one of our upcoming scholarships.  And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date about our upcoming programs and opportunities!

References
https://work.chron.com/10-earth-science-careers-10541.html
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/soil-and-plant-scientist
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/seismologist
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/hydrologist
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/mineralogist
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/paleontologist
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/geophysicist
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/volcanologist
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/petroleum-geologist
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/oceanographer
https://work.chron.com/salaries-degree-meteorology-29204.html

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