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Geological Sciences is a degree category that consists of the following common degrees:

  • Oceanography

    Satisfaction:

    N/A

    Avg Grad Salary:

    $71k

    Oceanography
  • Geology

    Satisfaction:

    High

    Avg Grad Salary:

    $72k

    Geology

    Geology, also known as geoscience and Earth science, is the study of the Earth. Students of the discipline learn about:

    • The processes that act upon the Earth, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions
    • The materials of which the Earth is made, such as water, oil, metals, and rocks
    • The history, evolution, and past climates of the Earth

    In studying these things and becoming geologists, their goals are:

    • To better understand and predict natural disasters
    • To more effectively plan land use
    • To discover minerals and energy resources
    • To preserve natural resources and protect the environment

    Classes in geology degree programs cover subjects like chemistry of the earth, sedimentary rocks, paleontology, geophysical tools, math for earth sciences, data analysis, and climate change.

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  • Paleontology

    Satisfaction:

    N/A

    Avg Grad Salary:

    $73k

    Paleontology
  • Hydrology

    Satisfaction:

    N/A

    Avg Grad Salary:

    $74k

    Hydrology

    Hydrology is about the active nature of water, the movement of precipitation.

    Hydrologists study surface waters like rivers, lakes, and streams and examine how rainfall and snowfall cause erosion, generate caves, and permeate soil and rock to become groundwater or flow to oceans and seas.

    They work with other scientists, engineers, and public regulators to forecast and manage floods or droughts, reduce waste water, promote sustainable usage of water, evaluate the feasibility of projects like irrigation systems and hydroelectric plants, and protect water resources.

    Students of hydrology study these and other aspects of the field. They learn about water management methods, land use, environmental issues, and how to collect water data, interpret statistics, conduct computer modeling, and use geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS).

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