Dear Mr. Ali,

I'm impressed by your desire to get some advance insight into your son's future profession. Way to be supportive!

To give you some background about geologists, we've put together a special report just for you and others who may be interested....

Geology is the study the earth and its processes, history, and composition. Geologists then apply this knowledge of the earth to benefit humankind.

Lest you think this is an obscure career choice, you should know that geology is integral to public health, safety, and welfare. In fact, engineers typically use geologists' interpretations to aid in design and construction of safe structures, pipelines, and buildings.

Here's a glimpse of what a geology student son may be doing from day to day: conducting investigations and providing interpretative services regarding dam and highway construction, disposal of hazardous waste, foundation conditions, geologic hazards, ground water, land use, mine reclamation, mineral exploration and development, origin of geologic features, subsurface migration of contamination, and more.

As a geologist, graduates may choose to specialize in a subset of the field, such as engineering geology, geochemistry, glacial geology, mineralogy, paleontology, petroleum geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, or volcanology.

Though a bachelor's degree is adequate for some entry-level positions, most geologists need at least a master's degree in geology for employment. Many states also require geologists to pass an exam in order to become licensed or registered. Check with your state's geology board to determine its requirements.

Those with a geology degree can anticipate a bright financial future. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2005 for graduates with bachelor's degrees in geology and related sciences averaged $39,365 a year. And that's just an entry-level figure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings of geoscientists were $68,730 in May 2004; the highest 10 percent earned more than $130,750. And in 2005, the federal government's average salary for managerial, supervisory, and nonsupervisory geology positions was $83,178.

Best of luck to your son as he prepares for a rock-solid  

Geology Career

--Robyn Tellefsen, frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network.

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