One of the most interesting and beneficial jobs of today lies in the field of geology.  Geology is
what’s known as the history of and physical things pertaining to the earth.  Geology is an exciting
field of work where geologists are able to use some of the most advanced technology around to
perform various types of test on the earth.  They conduct geological surveys and collect information
from their tools and observations.  One of the best things about geology is its wide range of studies.
Geologists take tests and analyze anything from seismic activity (predicting and studying earthquakes
and oil & natural gas searches), to finding ways to clean up the environment.  This is one of
geologists’ most important jobs.  Not only do they study the earth but they learn ways to help
protect it too.  They do this through preserving water supplies, finding safe sites for waste facilities,
and much more.  Their jobs may include things such as studying the remains of animal and plant life.
It may be experimenting with the flow of water and oil through rocks.  It may even be determining
the locations and intensities of earthquakes.  The possibilities are endless.  The field of geology is
oftentimes extended into other fields of work because of a geologist’s vast knowledge.  An example
would be when geologists are often asked to help aide in large construction projects such as damns
or apartment buildings because of their knowledge of the land.  As said before, one of the most
interesting things about the field of geology is that it is so diverse.  The field of geology branches into
many “sub-fields” or areas of work specifying on certain types of research.  Some of these types of
jobs would be had by Petroleum Geologists, Paleontologists, Mineralogists, and the list just goes on
and on.
 
Now before you go apply today, there are some things that should be kept in mind regarding some
prerequisites of being a geologist.  In order to begin your job in geology it would be wise of you to
first earn at the minimum, a bachelor’s degree in geology or geophysics.  Not only this but better
jobs in this field often require a higher form of learning such as a masters degree or even a Ph.D.
The best jobs in the field, (and most likely the highest paying) such as research positions in most
colleges and universities or research jobs for the government require a Ph.D.
 
Speaking of highest paying, I’m sure you’d be interested in what geologists earn.  As noted before,
geology is a field with many different forms of research so the pay varies for each smaller field of
study and at what level education you are studying at.  With this in mind, the average pay for a full
time faculty in the field of geology is around $51,000 a year.  Professors, meanwhile, can make
around $65,000 a year.  Associate professors earn approx. $48,000 annually, Assistant professors
– $0,100, Lecturers – $34,000, and finally, Instructors who make around $31,000.  As with many
jobs, faculty who work in 4 year constitutions will most likely make more than those faculty working
in 2 year constitutions.  In public institutions, the average pay overall for jobs in geology is $50,500,
whereas, in private institutions, the average salary can top $58,000.  Additionally, geologists have
means of making more money such as consulting, research, writing for publication, and more.
 
Many colleges offer impressive geology and/or geophysics programs for people interested in this
field.  Some of these include the University of Wisconsin – Madison, which has been offering
undergraduate and graduate degrees since 1854 in this field.  The program features a wide range of
specialty areas involved in geology.  Other colleges would include – The James Madison University
in Virginia (featuring their Department of Geology and Environmental Science), the Department of
Geology at Baylor University in Texas, the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University
of Hawaii in Manoa, or the Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences at Duke University.  These are
just a few of the many colleges offering classes and programs in this field worldwide.
 
Probably the thing that should be noted about geology, the most would the fact that it is such a
diverse field of knowledge.  It’s a subject that has such a wide range of things to look into that
almost anyone can find something they’re interested.  It may be digging for fossils, or searching for
oil.  Also, the great thing about geology, especially for everyone concerned with earth’s health, is that
almost everything done in geology is for the good of the earth and its inhabitants.  The only real
drawbacks about geology would lie in the fact that well paying jobs are usually only attainable after a
Ph.D. is acquired.
 
Another good thing about geology is that there is a great future for it.  As long as there is an earth
and inhabitants upon it, there will always be the need to learn more about it and to experiment with
what we have.  You can always just look into the news and find stories involving geology.  Some
examples would be predictions made by climate experts who suspect we are soon to have a major
drought spawned by long time changes in the Pacific sea temperature.  One other story would be
from researches at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab at the U.S. Department for Energy who
have recently grown the world’s fastest growing crystal which now, currently weighs 701 lbs.  As
you can see there will always be a future in geology.  On the job side of the question – that also
looks hopeful.  The largest majority of the geologists in the field, are known to have entered into the
field in the 50’s and 60’s and now are reaching retirement age which will leave many jobs open for
individuals interested in the field.
 
The purpose of geology, which has been touched on in the above paragraphs, is to learn more about
earth in order to both help it and its inhabitants.  Research is always being done to help people and
animals living on earth.  Some examples would be earthquake prevention, research regarding health
issues that may only be discovered by geologists.  An example would be when recently scientists
discovered that populations living near volcanoes are unsafe due to ash that lingers in the air and can
cause silicosis.  Geologists also analyze the earth in a multitude of ways to gather information about
our past.  This research would include the tests done in paleontology and mineralogy. Geology also
has more than one purpose as you can tell and each of them is beneficial.
 
Geologists work with a number of problems arising from research and tests they have done on our
earth.  Above, there were some problems given that geologists face, such as the prediction of the
drought, or the warning about the post-volcanic ash.  Geologists for the most part come across
problems that arise in nature