Instead, it becomes an essential discipline not only to scientists, but also to economists, engineers, politicians, and lawyers. An undergraduate degree in Geological Sciences provides a broad foundation in the physical sciences, from which a student can pursue postgraduate training in Geological Sciences, branch into Engineering and Environmental Science, or base a career in medicine or law. Today, most geologists are employed in companies dedicated to environmental restoration, to maintenance of ground water resources, or to engineering geology. The petroleum industry is a traditional employer of geologists. Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Protection Agency, Defense Mapping Agency, Federal Highway Administration, and many others employ large numbers of geologists.
Many states have their own geological surveys and environmental quality divisions.
The rising importance of geology is also being felt in public education, with a demand for increasing numbers of Earth science teachers in public schools. The M.S. degree is the professional degree in geology, but many with bachelor's degrees in geology obtain professional degrees or post-graduate degrees in allied fields such as economics. There are numerous possibilities because the curriculum in geology is sufficiently broad for a student to pursue many career paths. Geology Major and Minor The Department of Geological Sciences offers a B.S. degree and a minor in Geology. Majors may elect to concentrate in Engineering Geology if desired.