Majors at the University of Connecticut

Geoscience

Integrative Geosciences is a program of study for undergraduates incorporating many branches of science to create a fully integrated study of the Earth and life through time. In order to understand the complexity of the Earth and the many systems it contains, it is necessary to cross numerous discipline boarders. The Center for Integrative Geosciences at UConn seeks to train a new generation of geoscientists who not only have a solid background in geology, but who also integrate that background with a variety of other fields related to Earth and life. By addressing these issues and developing solutions to problems affecting the Earth, geoscientists act as stewards of the Earth. Though much has been learned about the Earth through earth science, much more is yet to be discovered, especially as new problems face society, such as global climate change, advances in technology, and exhaustion of energy and raw material supplies.

Academic Department

• Center for Integrative Geosciences

Nature of Work

Geoscience is the science of exploration, discovery, and Earth stewardship. The geosciences address all issues relating to Earth Systems, including the solid Earth, oceans, and atmosphere. The major applications of the geosciences are: exploration and responsible development of natural resources (oil, gas, coal, minerals, construction aggregate, water, and soil); preservation of the natural environment; restoration from environmental damage; mitigation of geohazards such as earthquakes and landslides; and exploratory research like the Mars space mission and understanding El Niño. The challenge of geosciences is to understand our planet and its history, and to use that knowledge to forecast its future in an era of global change.

Sample Job Titles

Potential Employers

Potential employers for Geosciences majors include the Oil and Gas Industry, Hydro/Environmental/Engineering Geology, Federal Government, State Geological Surveyors, Mining and Mineral Industry and Department of Energy National Laboratories.

Useful Skills

There is a vast array of skills gained from majoring in Geosciences. Students will develop excellent problem solving skills as they address issues facing earth and develop potential solutions. Many Geoscience majors utilize their knowledge of the earth’s development to improve the quality of human life. Exceptional research and analytical skills are also built as a result of students gathering and interpreting data about the earth and all other planets.

Getting Experience

It is important for everyone (no matter what his/her major) to gain career related experience. Participating in volunteer work; finding an internship or a cooperative education experience; a work study or student labor position on campus; or a shadowing program will help students gain valuable experience which will make students marketable to potential employers. Such experience also introduces students to a possible career or industry by connecting classroom theory to “real world” experience. Some benefits of participating in an internship, cooperative education, or job shadowing experience include but are not limited to: creating a network of professional contacts mentors, and references; developing professional, transferable skills; establishing credibility with a potential full-time employer; and gaining an advantage over the competition. Please visit Career Services for assistance with finding opportunities to gain experience in your field of interest.

Employment Opportunities

Geoscience majors may choose to pursue advanced study at graduate schools or utilize their skills in government careers, laboratories and environmental agencies. There is a wide range of different options open to Geoscience majors. These might include:

Atmospheric scientists - Explore the weather processes and study topics such as global climate change; solar radiation; and the depletion of the ozone in relation to atmospheric chemistry.

Economic geologists - Develops metallic and nonmetallic resources. Economic geologists study mineral deposits and find environmentally safe ways to dispose of waste materials from mining activities.

Engineering geologists - Apply geological data, techniques, and principles to the study of rock and soil surficial materials and ground water; they investigate geologic factors that affect structures such as bridges, buildings, airports and dams.

Geochemists - Utilize both physical and inorganic chemistry to study distribution of major and trace elements found in ground water as well as the earth’s materials. Organic chemistry is used also to investigate the composition of fossil fuel deposits such as coal, oil and gas.

Oceanographers - Investigate the physical, chemical, biological, and geologic dynamics of oceans.

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