Geology Careers
Students from our program graduate with a solid base of knowledge in geology that can give them the edge they need in a variety of geological careers.
Career paths for geology majors have a very wide scope, with areas of specialization including mineralogy, environmental geology, hydrogeology, oceanography, and the oil and gas industry. With employment opportunities in the geosciences fields expected to grow by 10% in the period from 2014-2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), a degree in geology allows you to explore the natural world around you and obtain employable skills in the process!
The total number of Geoscience jobs is predicted to increase by 11% by 2026 while 48% of the existing workforce is expected to retire in that time frame. This will generate up to 118,000 unfilled job openings in the geosciences in the coming years. Geoscience is a field full of opportunities! Geoscience professionals work outdoors and in the laboratory. Some Geoscientists have jobs in their home states while others travel the world. Starting salaries in the Geosciences are ~$40,000 for graduates with a bachelor’s degree. The median salary for all Geoscience occupations and degree levels is ~$90,000. (www.americangeosciences.org)
KU Geology Students
Making seismic waves to investigate the subsurface stratigraphy
The Geology Program at Kutztown University provides students with the tools they need to find success in the workforce or in graduate studies. Whether you plan to stay close to home or travel the world, a degree in geology can provide you with fantastic opportunities. Alumni from the KU Geology program are employed in a wide variety of jobs both locally and across the United States.
Recent alums of our program have employment in the fields of:
- Environmental Consulting
- Limestone mining and cement manufacturing
- Engineering geology, soils, and rock mechanics
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Geophysical Consulting
Local employment locations of Kutztown University Geology Alums
Many students choose to attend graduate school after obtaining their degree in Geology. Geology majors from Kutztown University have advanced to graduate programs in institutions such as:
- West Virginia University
- University of Washington
- Colorado State University
- East Carolina University
- Colorado School of Mines
- University of Alaska – Fairbanks
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Syracuse University
- Ohio University
- Temple University
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
- Northern Illinois University
- Indiana University – Bloomington
KU Geology Alums Across the United States
For additional information about where a degree in Geology can take you, try these links:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlooks for Geoscientists