Geology

Overview

Studying geology helps you understand how the Earth works and prepares you for many different careers. Geology focuses on the Earth’s materials, how they formed, and how they continue to change. It also examines how people use—and impact—natural resources.

If you choose environmental geology, you may study issues such as pollution, groundwater quality, and soil stability. You could help clean up contaminated sites and find ways to manage resources more sustainably.

Geology is also important in engineering and construction. Geologists help evaluate land conditions for projects such as roads, buildings, tunnels, and dams. They also assess natural hazards, such as earthquakes and landslides, to help keep projects safe.

In the oil and gas industry, geologists study underground rock formations to help locate and extract energy resources. Overall, geology provides a solid foundation for careers in environmental protection, natural resource management, engineering, research, and energy development.

Interested in Geology?

At ECC, geology courses meet the physical science requirement for Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Fine Arts degrees. Students who wish to specialize further can pursue a four-year degree in geology, which leads to careers such as hydrogeology, seismology, geochemistry, mining, and work in the oil and gas industry. Refer to Career Coach for relevant data on wages, employment, and education needed for a career in geology or another field.