Careers

Geology students at COCC work closely with their advisor to develop transfer plans based on their degree and career goals. Students who go on to complete a bachelor's in geology are well qualified for field or lab technician jobs, which tend to focus on gathering data. A master's degree in geology is a common next step, and it is usually funded via a teaching assistantship or research assistantship, meaning there is often no need for student loans. Geologists with a master's degree are qualified for most jobs, with the exception being research jobs at universities, which usually require a Ph.D.

For more information, check out the American Geosciences Institute's Workforce page and Career Compass tool to learn about the steps you'll take toward your dream job in the geosciences.

 

Opportunities for independent study connect Geology students with organizations like the Oregon Glaciers Institute. "Exposing the next generation of scientists to real-world fieldwork of documenting glacier change is just as crucial as the science itself," says Anders Carlson, Ph.D., president of the Oregon Glaciers Institute. "Young scientists will not only carry on the torch of discovery and the research but will also act as force-multiplying messengers about the impacts global warming is having on our world."