Introduction to Geology

Geology is the study of the Earth's materials and processes. It is an exciting, multifaceted field of study comprised of many subdisciplines. Mount Holyoke College is proud to continue its long tradition of maintaining a first-rate geology program. Geology is a historical science, involving the study of active and ancient processes within and on the Earth, including the patterns of evolution of life. Geology is closely aligned with geography, which is both a natural and social science. The study of geography includes the location and spatial distribution of features on the Earth, such as surface processes (physical geography), patterns of human development or culture, and how these are understood by different societies (human geography). Geology and geography are linked through the common study of surficial processes that shape the landscape and that have affected or even controlled the development of human culture. Both disciplines also rely on maps and computer graphics as important research tools.

Geology can be a very satisfying pursuit, and an extremely necessary one. The earth sciences are fascinating in their own right. In addition, they provide a familiar, tangible context for other scientific disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and biology. Thus, geology represents a mechanism for connecting non-scientists to the exciting "world of science" (pun intended). Certainly the most important role of geology will be played out in the future. As the earth's population increases, so will the demand on the earth's resources. Society will move into a global era of scarcity of resources. Water is already in critically short supply in much of the world. Energy resources and the environmental consequences of their use are bound to become even more urgent problems in the next few decades. Much of the world's population lives in regions where earthquake or volcanic risks are high. Sound public policy decisions about these issues require an adequate understanding of the earth, acquired through instruction in geology and geography.

The reasons for studying geology are as diverse as the discipline itself. A geology major opens many geoscience career opportunities in academia, government, and industry. These generally entail additional training beyond the Bachelor's of Arts degree. A geology major or minor is also an extraordinary liberal art. The liberal arts education should provide a broad background of knowledge and literacy. Literacy implies that one can write clearly, coherently, and gracefully, as well as read with fundamental understanding, to judge the merits of an argument, and to appreciate complexities of thought and intent. True literacy also implies quantitative literacy, the ability to recognize and evaluate various forms of quantitative argument, to reason effectively with numerical information, and to use modern computational techniques with skill. Geology is a true liberal art. Through geology, students learn to discover and describe logical relationships that unify seemingly unrelated phenomena, and thus to find and appreciate simplicity, subtlety, and order in the complex natural environment.

Geology rewards its students with an awareness of the vital close connection between humans and the Earth. We are bestowed with a unique position in the history of an awesome planet. The study of geology is essential to the promotion of general human welfare, to the human spirit, and to survival in the next century.

Careers in Geology

As an outstanding liberal art, training in the geological sciences provides one with helpful tools and skills for whatever directions one takes in life. Recent geology majors are currently in careers as diverse as health maintenance organization administration, investment banking (emphasis on technology industries), and various careers in education. Some have opted for medical school, others are raising families, all share a common understanding of how humans and society interact with the Earth.

Of course many geology majors elect to pursue careers in the earth sciences. Jobs in environmental areas continue to employ significant numbers of geologists. Many work as hydrogeologists for consulting firms concerned with issues of water supplies, water quality and contamination problems. Other consultants specialize in land use planning, soil conservation, seismic risk assessment, or hazardous waste disposal. Geologic consultants also work in government at the national level (e.g.,the Environmental Protection Agency) and in equivalent state agencies. A significant number of geologists are employed in various capacities with many government agencies including the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Aeronautic and Space Agency, the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the various national laboratories such as Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, etc.

The traditional employers of geologists, domestic petroleum and mining companies, are not as dominant as they used to be, but continue to employ large numbers of geologists. Much exploration and development activity is now international and many opportunities exist for those willing to travel or relocate. These markets have always been cyclical, boom or bust, industries, however there are always jobs for the most determined and best-trained geologists. (It also doesn't hurt to be well connected!) Finally, a large number of geologists are in academia. Jobs teaching at the college level are quite hard to acquire these days, though again, such jobs are there for the most tenacious. Teaching K-12 levels in public schools requires teaching certification and requirements vary state to state. Qualified science teachers are generally in demand, though most of these are in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. Still, earth science teachers are employed in many school districts.