Earth sciences explore the various physical and chemical processes that have literally shaped our planet. Some earth scientists monitor the activity of plate tectonics, volcanoes, and other natural features, while others seek solutions for global problems like air, soil, and water pollution. Thanks to the advent of open courseware, today's learners can access free, web-based courses and tutorials to see if earth science is the best field of study for them.
Careers for earth scientists widely vary. Some focus on scientific research, often funded through private or federal grants. Others dedicate their careers to environmental policy and advocacy, working alongside elected leaders and private contractors to enact changes that stand to benefit the entire planet. There is also a large contingent of earth scientists who end up teaching their subject to students in primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools. The common thread linking all of these career paths is a data-driven approach to the natural cycles and phenomena that occur daily across the globe.
Sample Courses
Students who hope to earn a degree in earth science will be required to complete a series of courses that explore the associated sub-fields. These sub-fields may include geology, the study of rocks and soil; meteorology, the study of climate and weather patterns; hydrology, the study of water and the way it interacts with other materials; and atmospheric science, the study of air and atmosphere. Earth science majors will also learn about environmental issues like climate change, the effects of pollution, and the ‘footprint' of human populations and manmade structures.
Possible Specializations
As students advance through their undergraduate education (and possibly continue on to earn an advanced degree), they may be asked to choose a specialized area of study that matches their career goals. Typically, these specializations will narrow in on one of the sub-fields of earth science, such as climate science, marine science, or land and water systems. Students may also be allowed to choose a specialization in earth science education if they hope to become teachers.
Degree Types
In addition to specialization, the level of degree a student chooses to earn will ultimately impact their career opportunities. Here is a rundown of options for prospective earth scientists:
Associate
Like other scientific fields, earth science requires an extensive education ― and for this reason, a two-year associate degree from a community college or vocational school is insufficient for anything beyond an entry-level job. However, associate-level earth science courses will introduce key concepts that students will further delve into during the later stages of their education.
Bachelor's
Generally, anyone hoping to become an earth scientist will be required to complete a minimum of four years of accredited higher education and eventually earn a bachelor's degree. However, some careers (such as environmental scientists and geoscientists) will only require a bachelor's degree for those who want to obtain an entry-level position with a government agency or private research firm. Those who wish to pursue careers in advanced research or teaching will probably need to obtain a master's degree to supplement their undergraduate credentials.
Master
Students who choose to earn a master's degree will enroll in courses that generally focus on the advanced chemistry and physics associated with the planet's natural processes. A Master of Education in Earth Science (at the very least) will be required for virtually any teaching role at the primary, secondary, or postsecondary level, while an M.S. degree with a specialization will often allow graduates to bypass the entry-level employment stage and land high-paying jobs in the private or public sector.
Ph.D.
Most students who earn a Ph.D. in this field plan to teach or research specialized earth sciences within an academic setting; for other career paths, job-seekers may be able to get good jobs with lesser credentials. Ph.D. or doctoral studies usually entail a dissertation, capstone project, and/or internship with an earth science laboratory or research facility.
In lieu of a traditional degree like those listed above, some earth science students may earn an advanced certificate comparable to an undergraduate or graduate-level diploma. Others, such as earth science teachers, may be required to earn additional certifications in order to be considered for positions at some institutions or in certain states. Also, it should be noted that some federal agencies (such as the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Department of Natural Resources) will employ ‘student hires' who are currently enrolled in any level of higher education (including associate and bachelor's programs), and this experience can increase their potential for employment opportunities without obtaining a higher degree.
Ideal Candidates for Earth Science
Earth science ― like any scientific field ― requires students to be analytical and speculative when it comes to monitoring and evaluating data. A firm understanding of other core sciences (such as chemistry, physics, and biology) is also crucial. Naturally, earth scientists must be comfortable working outdoors, and willing to hike, climb, or navigate adverse terrain in order to collect samples required for tests and experiments. Strong communication skills and interpersonal effectiveness will also aid these individuals when they collaborate with fellow scientists.
Career Pathways
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are many different career paths earth scientists may consider; what they do and where they end up will depend on their degree level and any specializations they have chosen during the course of their college studies. Fields like geoscience and environmental engineering are projected to grow 15% to 16% between 2012 and 2022 ― faster than the national average for all careers ― while other fields, such as atmospheric science and hydrology, are expected to grow at slower rates during that same period.
Educational level and specialization will also help determine how much money an earth scientists makes once they land a job. Environmental engineers with a bachelor's degree, for instance, earned a median salary of $80,890 per year in 2012 ― which was roughly $5,000 more than the median annual earnings for a hydrologist with a master's degree. Generally, earth scientists who work for companies and organizations in the private sector will outearn their counterparts who work for federal agencies.
Prospective students who would like to learn more about the field of earth science are encouraged to contact agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Most college campuses will also sponsor field trips to local volcanoes, caves, or other areas of interest to earth scientists.
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Journals
Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences
One of the longer standing journals, the CJES reports on "current research in climate and environmental geoscience" on a monthly basis.
This international journal is published by the Association of Korean Geoscience Societies and includes geology research on a quarterly basis.
International Journal of Earth Sciences
This journal is wide in scope but especially includes numerous articles on the history of the earth, as well as process-oriented papers.
This recently expanded journal covers "all branches of geology and related technology in the exploration and utilization of earth resources."
This journal is aimed at professionals and academic in the earth science and climate change industry, and it provides detailed analysis of new research.
Trade Magazines
This magazine, published by the government, includes news on climate events as well as explanations of climate patterns and impacts.
This magazine devotes a significant part of its pages to earth science and articles that help readers to understand and interact with the world around them.
Touting itself as "the science behind the headlines," this magazine covers news, interviews with scientists, and obscure but interesting stories related to…
Online magazine articles are split by research, video, and news, and the writers do a good job of providing clear analysis of earth science and climate issues.
Scientific American: Earth Science
A subset of the larger organization, SA's Earth Science magazine includes academic and high-level commentary on geology, climate change, meteorology and other…
Grants
Evolving Earth Student Grant Program
Deadline: March 3
Award Amount: Maximum $3,000
This is for undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral researchers at accredited universities who want to conduct research in earth science.
National Science Foundation: Earth Science
Deadline: Rolling
Award Amount: Maximum $1,000,000
The NSF awards grants for acquisitions or upgrade of research equipment, development of new instrumentation or analytical techniques, early career investigations, and multi-user facilities.
National Science Foundation: Physical and Dynamic Meteorology
Deadline: Rolling
Award Amount: Varies
Awarded to students and researchers with research proposals involving a wide range of meteorological topics, including cloud physics, precipitation processes, atmospheric measurements and others.
National Weather Service Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grants
Deadline: June 1
Award Amount: Varies
This grant is awarded to educators in earth sciences and meteorology to help them purchase materials, begin new school or community outreach programs, attend workshops, or enhance programs.
Deadline: July 30
Award Amount: £1,500
Given by the Royal Meteorological Society, this grant sponsors travel for young scientists from any part of the world who are interested in undertaking meteorological or associated research.
The Geological Society of America: Graduate Student Research Grants
Deadline: Feb 3
Award Amount: Varies; average of $1,897 per applicant for previous year
These grants are meant to "provide partial support of master's and doctoral thesis research in the geological sciences for graduate students enrolled in universities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and…
Scholarships
GlaxoSmithKline Company Science Achievement Award
Deadline: Feb 18
Award Amount: $3,000
Four scholarships are given to graduates of UNCF member colleges and universities; graduates must have completed a science-related major and be enrolled or planning to enroll in graduate school.
Montana State University: Earth Sciences Department Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Award Amount: Varies
MSU gives out four scholarships different in earth science, and geology and geography in particular, to undergraduates who show promise and academic excellence in the field.
National Weather Association David Sankey Minority Scholarship in Meteorology
Deadline: April 15
Award Amount: $1,000
Undergraduate or graduate student members of the NWA who are majoring in meteorology or a related earth science field may apply for this scholarship to help fund their studies.
Deadline: May 31
Award Amount: $1,000
The NWA awards this scholarship to one undergraduate student who has research that he or she would like to present at the annual NWA meeting, for review by professional meteorologists.
NYWEA Major Environmental Career Scholarship
Deadline: Feb 10
Award Amount: $10,000
This scholarship is for high school seniors in New York State who have chosen to enroll in a full-time B.S. or B.E. degree program that has an environmental focus.
University of Northern Iowa: Science, Technology, and Mathematics Scholarship: Earth Science
Deadline: TBD
Award Amount: $1,000-$5,000
This scholarship is given to one incoming freshman at the University of Iowa, chosen by academic ability and interest in the field, who plans to major in the Earth Science department.
AGI Geoscience & Public Policy Internships
Deadline: March 15, October 15
The American Geosciences Institute accepts undergraduate and graduate interns in geoscience who want to explore the intersection of earth science and public policy.
American Association for the Advancement of Science Internships
Deadline: Varies
The AAAS has volunteer and paid internships with Science magazine, the Office of Government Relations, the Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy, and others.
Chevron Earth Science Internships
Deadline: TBD
"Chevron earth science internships offer the opportunity to work collaboratively with a team to discover new energy reserves," and participants usually work on a specific producing field or…
GeoCorps America Opportunities
Deadline: February 18
The Geological Society of America offers paid internships for geoscience students; participants work with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service.
Juneau Icefield Research Program
Deadline: April 15
This summer internship is open to high schoolers, undergraduate, and graduate students interested in contributing to research in Alaska and furthering earth science learning.
National Council for Science and the Environment
Deadline: Varies
The NCSE offers an EnvironMentors Events Internship, an EnvironMentors Alumni Outreach internship, and a Conference Program Internship for young professionals in earth science.
RESESS Summer Internship Program
Deadline: TBD
Research Experiences in Solid Earth Science for Students (RESESS) offers numerous summer internships meant to increase the diversity of the geosciences field.
Deadline: TBD
Sierra Club offers internships in San Francisco and Washington D.C., where participants may work on specific environmental campaigns, conservation efforts, or research.
Stanford Earth Sciences High School Internship Program
Deadline: March 21
Stanford gives interns the chance to work with graduate students, post doctorates and lab managers on earth science projects both in the lab and in the field.
Professional Organizations
American Geosciences Institute
The AGI includes numerous member societies and is dedicated to providing information and education on earth science to each of those groups.
American Institute of Professional Geologists
"The largest association dedicated to promoting geology as a profession" and one that focuses on ethical competence in the field.
American Meteorological Society
One of the most respected professional societies, the AMS offers certification programs and a host of other professional growth opportunities for members.
Association of Environmental Engineering Geologists
This association assumes responsibility for stewardship in environmental engineering and strives to educate members to a high degree.
The Geological Society was established in 1888 and focuses on fostering professional growth for earth scientists of every level.
National Association of Environmental Professionals
NAEP offers a forum for discussion, opportunities for professional growth, and a network of environmental and climate scientists.
National Earth Science Teachers Association
This nonprofit describes its mission as that of facilitating and advancing "excellence in Earth and Space Science education."
"Connecting operational meteorologists in pursuit of excellence in weather forecasting, communication and service."
Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists
This is the "only national organization designed exclusively for the independent or consulting professional earth scientist."