| Why Earth Sciences?
While there a far fewer geologists and environmental scientists compared to chemists, accountants, and engineers, earth scientists provides a unique perspective on using science and mathematics to solve common problems within society.
The job market provides a good balance between the number of earth science graduates and the number of job openings in earth science, and many graduates have the exciting possibility of continuing on in  graduate school to earn a Masters degree or PhD. Across the U.S. most earth science graduates who perform well as undergraduates can attend any one of hundreds of
graduate programs across the US that typically offer tuition waivers and a stipend of $12-$18K.
What Makes IUPUI's Program Unique?
Undergraduates benefit from a variety of on-campus resources that other disciplines cannot offer--we have many opportunities to integrate undergraduates into
research through scholarships, internships, and other funding sources.
- We provide a dedicated computer lab and teaching laboratory for our undergraduates to use, and students benefit from a small student to faculty ratio in our upper-level courses.
- Our 10 research faculty provide a wide range of diversity across the geosciences not available at many other state and private institutions.
- Students have the opportunity to continue on into our own Masters program--which is common, or continue on at programs at nearby Universities or other universities across the U.S.
- Most importantly, our Center for Earth and Environmental Science brings together campus, industry, and government stakeholders to conduct research and outreach related to environmental issues in Indiana.
IUPUI's program has the added benefit of being located in the largest job market in Indiana and located within 2 hours of the Cincinnati and Louisville area. Located blocks from the state capitol and on a campus with Engineering, Law, Medical, and Dental Schools, we have used our location to build
partnerships with other researchers, government leaders, and private industry.
What Makes Earth Sciences Unique?
Earth Science (which includes geology and environmental science among other subdisciplines) is a great field to study because:
- It combines the strengths of biology, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology and applies them to our knowledge of the Earth
- The career opportunities are very diverse. Some geologists spend most of their time outdoors, others spend their entire time in the laboratory, and many spend a mixture of time outside, in the lab, and at their desk.
- As a smaller discipline of study, faculty and advisors can give one on one attention to each and every student
- Employment opportunities are spread evenly across the U.S., both in rural and urban areas, with the highest concentration in large metro areas like Indianapolis.
- Students can easily advance to the graduate level and earn a Masters or PhD degree
The faculty research in our department speaks of the diversity. Several faculty are researching climate change and global warming, which has involved trips on ocean research ships and Antarctica. Other faculty are researching water quality issues and behavior in Central Indiana, while another faculty member researches the geologic history of mountain building in southern California. Some faculty do their research entirely in the laboratory or by computer, but most require some field work to collect samples that are then processed in our laboratories.
What is the Difference between Geology and Environmental Science?
Collectively, both can be considered "earth science." Both fields of study overlap, so there may be no difference at all in some situations. In many cases, an environmental scientist or a geologist will have more specialized knowledge to solve a particular problem. Many job postings will ask for either a degree in geology or environmental science, but some will specifically ask for only a degree in geology or environmental science.
Academically, geology majors take more coursework in the subspecialties in geology, while environmental science majors take more coursework in related disciplines of chemistry, biology, geography, and environmental planning and health. As a result, geology majors typically have a firm understanding of all aspects of earth systems and research, while environmental science majors have a firm understanding of the inter-relationships between geology, humans, and other sciences.
The course work completed as part of a degree is the most important difference that will dictate the skill set and possible job opportunities available to either major.
Where Can I Get a Job?
The common perception of a geologist is someone who hunts for oil or gold. While petroleum and mining geologists are the highest paid and most
recognized field within geology, they are outweighed by the many geologists and environmental scientists employed in business, industry, and education across the U.S. Mean salaries are $45,000 to $60,000 depending on the employer, the type of specialization, and whether you have a Masters degree--an environmental consultant may pay a starting salary of $35,000 while a petroleum exploration company may pay starting at $60,000. Many earth scientists work in county, state, and federal government to conduct research in earth sciences or to implement and manage environmental regulations and public policy. State, federal, and local governments are another major employer, examples include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Army Corp of Engineers, US Geological Survey, Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management, Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources, and County soil and water conservation offices. There are over 100 environmental consulting firms in the Indianapolis area, many of these are small operations that employ less than 20 people, and almost all of them employ multiple geologists. Several large national and multi-national environmental consulting firms also have offices in Indiana. Environmental consultant firms often assist in construction planning and site development, locating water resources, directing environmental clean-ups, and performing environmental risk management and assessment.
Mining companies do employ geologists, limestone and sand and gravel quarries are scattered throughout Indiana, coal mining dominates southwestern Indiana, and petroleum companies do exploration throughout the state. Some students go on to earn their teaching certificate to teach high school. However, this is only a partial list, and earth scientists are often found in
unusual places where an organization needs to better understand the behavior of Earth processes.
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