Geologist

A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth and terrestrial planets. Geologists usually engage studying geology, and approach this using mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology as well as other sciences.

Low-end Salary: 
$45,822/yr
Median Salary: 
$60,067/yr
High-end Salary: 
$80,121/yr
Education: 

Although a Bachelor's degree is required for entry level employment, many geologists earn Master's and/or Doctorate degrees. The advanced degrees provide a higher level of training, often in a geology specialty area such as paleontology, mineralogy, hydrology or volcanology. Advanced degrees will often qualify the geologist for supervisory positions, research assignments or teaching positions at the university level.

Math Required: 

College Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Calculus I and II
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Statistics

When Math Is Used: 

Math is becoming more and more useful to geologists. Mathematical geology can be an essential aid in formulating models and scientific theories to bring together different geological phenomena.

Potential Employers: 

Geologists work in a variety of settings. These include: natural resource companies, environmental consulting companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities. Many geologists do field work at least part of the time. Others spend their time in laboratories, classrooms or offices. All geologists prepare reports, do calculations and use computers.

Facts: 

Geologist, Kitty Milliken, Ph.D., was asked the question: What advice do you have for students entering high school? She responded, “Take a lot of math. Math is incredibly important in science. I wish I'd taken even more math in college than I did, and I had a math minor!”

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Quote Of The Day

"Students often ask me what to take in school… my answer?... follow your natural interests, but take lots of math!"

— Thomas E. Dunham

Vice President and General Manager for GE Medical Systems
General Electric Company

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Figures represent salary potential.

08
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