Many geologists work at government agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, the Department of Natural Resources, geological surveys of individual states and various research laboratories and museums in the country. Many geology graduates employed by government agencies are engaged in geological field mapping, analyzing geological materials, regulating environmental quality and preparing rock specimens and fossils. Prerequisite training and experience depend on the position and the nature of the job. Teaching and research positions generally require a doctorate degree in the related field. Through extended training in the UW-Eau Claire School of Education, geology graduates can qualify to teach earth science and related science subjects to junior high and high school students.
Students have access to microcomputers with geology-specific software.
Courses emphasize field experience and practical application of geologic principles. Field courses make use of computer technology including the global positioning system and computer mapping. The Thin Section Lab contains complete facilities for preparing thin sections, polished samples and specimens for mineralogical and geochemical studies. The Sedimentology Lab is equipped with facilities for performing grain-size analysis and basic sedimentological experiments. A new electron microscope center houses a scanning electron microscope for quantitative elemental analysis and a transmission electron microscope for mineralogical analysis.