Career as Geologist
Geology is the study that deals with the materials present on the earth, and the forces acting on it. The fossil records are used for studying the ancestral inhabitants' biological records. The main purpose of this course is to find the reasons for current situations such as climatic change and predict the future in a better way by understanding the planet's history. Natural processes such as floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes are also studied by them while surveying land and creating a building plan. This course has an international appeal because of which students are interested in opting for this course. There are various educational institutions offering diplomas, degrees as well as online geology courses with different course structures.
- About Geologist :
- Job Profile |
- How do I get there?
Job Profile
The job of a Geologist generally deals with fieldwork in which
he/she needs to examine and analyse the earth's crust. He/she
applies the knowledge of various subjects of science such as
physics, chemistry, maths and biology for explaining the different
phenomenon. In this way, he/she locates the natural deposits of
minerals underground, creates geologic reports, maps and interprets
the researched data for carrying the studying to the next
level.
Prospects for those pursuing Geology course
The course is perfect for someone interested in working on projects
related to earth. This includes the exploration of minerals,
protection of the environment exploration of oil, managing
resources and many more. With this course, you can opt to become an
oceanographer, meteorologist, geographer, etc. in different private
and public sectors. Besides this, UPSC exams are also held for
hiring the Geologists in government organizations such as the
Geological Survey of India and Central Groundwater Board. It
conducts the Indian Forest Service Exam and civil services exam in
which Geologists can appear to attain a reputable job. If you have
a keen interest in opting for academics or research, then you can
join the M.Phil or PhD course in Geology, and appear the National
Education Test (NET) which UGC conducts every year.
Roles offered to Geologists
There are various exciting roles that Geologists can get in the industry, such as Geological Advisor, Seismologist, Researchers, Teachers, Meteorologist, Processing Geophysicist, Oceanographers, Onshore well-site Geologist, Development Geologist, Technical Sales Manager, a business leader in small hydropower business or wind resource assessment head.
Salaries offered to Geologists
The Geologists employed in the government sector get an
attractive package as well as a high profile status. Apart from
this, you can expect an excellent package if reunited in any of the
Navratna and Maharatna companies such as Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, etc.
If we consider other private organizations, freshers can expect a monthly pay of Rs 15,000/- to Rs 25,000/- as well as other perks. For others, the salary varies from one organization to another and depends on the qualifications, skills as well as the experience you have.
Pros and Cons of a Career as a Geologist
Pros
The advantage of pursuing this as a career is that you have a wide
range of scope in construction, environmental protection, detection
of disasters, and spotting the naturally occurring energy
resources. Besides this, they play a significant role in road
construction, earthquake prediction, an eruption of volcanoes and
creation of oil and natural gas pipelines.
Cons
It involves fieldwork which everyone may not find convenient
because the areas are located in remote places which are generally
risky.
Future Growth Prospects and How to get there faster?
There is a 6% growth chance for the Geologists in the upcoming years. The demand will grow owing to the rising needs for energy resources, protection of the environment and management of resources.
To grow fast, you need to have a relevant degree as a Geologist. Those with experience have a better scope of growth in this field.
How do I get there?
A Geologist is a specific type of scientist who can understand
earth's history, including the solid and liquid matter of which
earth is constituted. Let us see the four courses offered by
institutions for anyone aspiring to become a geologist.
There are four courses for anyone wanting to become a geologist.
These are as follows:
1. Undergraduate courses
Here are the UG courses:
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Geology, Earth science, Environmental science
- Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Geology
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Geology, Earth Science, Environmental Science
2. Postgraduate courses
The PG courses are as follows:
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Geology, Applied Geology
- Master of Science (Hons.) in Geology
- Master of Technology in Geology, Applied Geology
3. There is also a Doctoral Course available for
Geologists, in which one can do a PhD in Geology.
Specializations available in Geology:
Here are the various specialities from which you can choose the
one which best suits your interest:
- Marine Geology
- Engineering Geology
- Structural Geology
- Geomorphology
- Economic Geology
- Geochemistry
- Volcanology
- Mineralogy
How much does it cost?
The average cost of any Geology course ranges from Rs 10,000-2 lakh, the details of which we will see in the following section. The cost varies from one college to another.
Course Duration and Fees
The length of the course and the corresponding costs for each
has been mentioned in the following table:
|
Course |
Duration |
Fees(annual) |
|
Diploma in Geology |
1 year |
Differs with the institution you are opting to pursue the course |
|
Bachelor's degree in Geology(B.Sc) |
3 years |
Rs 10,000- 1 lakh |
|
Master's degree in Geology(M.Sc.) |
2 years |
Rs 30,000- 1 lakh |
|
Doctorate in Geology (Ph.D) |
3 years |
Rs 1 lakh- 2 lakh |
What are the Top Colleges where one should be studying to become a Geologist?
|
University |
Course |
Total course fee(Rs) |
|
Parul University |
B.Sc. |
90,000 |
|
Banaras Hindu University |
B.Sc |
59,46 |
|
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
B.Sc+M.Sc |
1.99 lakh |
|
Pondicherry University |
B.Sc+M.Sc |
87,483 |
|
Annamalai University |
B.Sc |
13,175 |
|
Presidency University, Kolkata |
B.Sc |
1,375 |
Books for Geology
Here are some good books which you can refer while pursuing your career as a Geologist:
- California's Amazing Geology by Donald R. Prothero
- Earth's Evolving Systems, The History of Planet Earth by Ronald E. Martin.
- Essentials of Geology by Frederick K. Lutgens, Edward J. Tarbuck, Dennis G. Tasa
- Earth- An Introduction to Physical Geology by Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
- Foundations of Earth Science by Frederick K. Lutgens, Edward J. Tarbuck, Dennis G. Tasa
Alternative courses for those pursuing Geology as their career
- Technical Sales Specialist
- Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians
- Contractors and Supervisors
- Metallurgical Control Analyst
- Geophysical Equipment Operator
- Geological Prospecting Technologist
- Seismic Exploration or Prospecting
Other careers of your interests
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |