GEOSCIENCE (Formerly earth science)

 

Disciplinary Major or Minor - www.uwgb.edu/nas

 

OVERVIEW OF geoSCIENCE:

Geoscience is the study of the physical components of the environment (rocks, minerals, soil, water, and air), the various processes affected by those components, and the interactions between the physical environment and living organisms. The program's special emphasis is on environmental geology in view of the growing need to apply principles of geology to environmental issues such as natural hazard mitigation, ground water conservation, and land reclamation. The Geoscience program takes a problem-focused, interdisciplinary approach in which the physical environment is investigated as many interacting systems.

 

Majors in Geoscience may become professional geologists or acquire the necessary background for graduate study in geology, geophysics, soil science, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, or oceanography. Those intending to pursue graduate study are advised to complement requirements for the major with courses in Physics, advanced Mathematics, and Computer Science. Alternatively, the major may be used to support another area of study.

 

TIPS FROM THE PROFS:

(from Dr. Steve Dutch, Prof. of Geoscience)

Graduate School is always a good option, as most professional positions require a Master’s Degree (scroll down for information on grad schools).

 

Dr. Dutch says "There's an old saying 'You can never be too rich or too thin!' Likewise, you can never have too much math chemistry, or physics."

 

Keep in mind that you can go anywhere in the world with this field, and you can even go outside of our world into space! And finally, learn another language, it will definitely help you!

 

WHO SHOULD BE A GEOSCIENCE MAJOR:

If you have a strong interest in science, and a compassion for the Earth, then this major is perfect for you! But beware, this field is not for people who don’t want to get their hands dirty! Also, you must be willing to work outdoors, be flexible and able to adapt to different settings, and be able to pay attention to detail. This field draws on Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics, and Engineering. If you do not enjoy courses such as these, Geoscience might not be right for you.

 

Geoscience students are required to choose a minor. Some minors that work well with this major include Math, Chemistry, Business, Physics, and even a Modern Language. The Environmental Science minor is also a popular choice among students.

 

WHO SHOULD BE A geoSCIENCE MINOR:

Students interested in environmental planning, natural resource or land management, or environmental policy issues must select interdisciplinary minors in Environmental Sciences, Public & Environmental Affairs, or Urban and Regional Studies. For those interested in an earth system science perspective in business, Geoscience may be combined with Business Administration. Arts Management and Design Arts are options for Geoscience students interested in print or electronic journalism (broadcast meteorology, for example).

 

As for taking Geoscience as a minor, many Environmental Science majors take it, as well as Communications, Environmental Policy & Planning. It depends on what you want to emphasize- the science aspect or the non-science aspect? What do you want to do?

 

WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT THIS MAJOR AT UWGB:

SKILLS & ABILITIES GAINED WITH THIS MAJOR:

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A MAJOR IN geosCIENCE:

NOTE: Career opportunities for Geoscientists are varied. Environmental concerns have spurred demand for Geoscientists in government agencies, consulting firms, and private industry. In demand are technically proficient Geoscientists who are also skilled communicators.

 

Career opportunities in Geoscience in northeastern Wisconsin are somewhat limited. Most locally employed graduates work in teaching, with consulting firms, or with government agencies. Some openings in broadcast meteorology are occasionally available. Students who are willing to relocate, or who are attracted by the opportunities for travel that Earth Science offers, are most likely to find satisfying careers.

 

The following list represents a few of the kinds of career titles for GEOSCIENCE majors:

The following list represents a few of the kinds of businesses and institutions that employ GEOSCIENCE majors:

 

In Industry: petroleum and natural gas companies, mining companies, engineering and environmental consulting firms, and independent research laboratories.

 

In Government Agencies: local, state, and federal agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, state water control boards, and state geological surveys.

 

In Educational Institutions: secondary schools, colleges, universities, and museums.

 

For example, in the state of Wisconsin, these companies have hired our graduates: Consulting Firms such as "Robert E. Lee", Foth and Van Dyke , US Dept of Energy, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

 

Want to know more about the nature of the work, working conditions, earnings, training, and job outlook? Then check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook @ http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm

 

LINKS TO GRAD PROGRAMS FOR GEOSCIENCE:

LINKS TO WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

LINKS FOR MORE HELP:

Updated 3/10