Career Opportunities and Work Life

Skills You'll Need

Salary Ranges

The Classroom Experience

Certificate & Degree Options

You will need to have a strong background in mathematics, science, advanced critical thinking, and problem solving skills in any geologic speciality.

Success in geology is dependent on the ability to:

• apply scientific rules
• understand geological principles
• organize and categorize data
• communicate verbally and in writing
• understand and apply mathematic rules
• interpret topographical maps
• perform deductive reasoning

It is essential to be able to work independently as well as in a team.

This field requires you to continually research new geological trends. With advances in science, you must be flexible with your ideas and ways of thinking. Scientific advancements mean you must be self-motivated to research, test, and develop new ideas.

According to Lake Michigan College program coordinator and instructor Dr. Cole Lovett, you must be science-focused. "There is a lot of knowledge and skill that must be mastered before you are able to head out in the field, or conduct research."

Computer skills are increasingly necessary in geology. You must be able to analyze data, and create and interpret digital maps. Knowledge of the Global Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) is helpful.