Geologists use a wide variety of techniques from across the scientific disciplines (biology, physics, chemistry and others) to study the causes of catastrophic events such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, glaciations, and extinctions. These same techniques are applied to events which take place over longer times, such as species evolution, continental drift, mountain building, and climate change.

Geologists also play a leading role in the discovery and recovery of natural resources such as water, energy (petroleum, coal, uranium), metals of all sorts, and industrial raw materials.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you will have many opportunities to work in the field. Geologists literally travel the entire world, making maps and taking samples for further analysis back in the lab.

When environmental investigations are undertaken for construction or clean up of contamination, geologists provide expertise on how best to carry out the work.

In addition to your scientific expertise, as a geologist you will have an awareness of the social impact of your work.

Geologists are employed by environmental and engineering consulting companies, in water, mineral and energy exploration, and by state and federal agencies.

Visit our alumni website to see examples of jobs you might have after graduation.

Contact us if you have any questions about Geology at NDSU!