Geology Gems home
A measure of the quality of the geology program at W.S.U. is the success of its graduates. Recent graduates are 95% employed in geologically related fields, ranging from secondary-school teaching to environmental geology, or are attending graduate school. Two Geology alumni have received Winona State University's Distinguished Young Graduate Award, and alumni are employed throughout the U.S., many in the upper Midwest. Clusters of alumni in the Twin Cities and Chicago areas serve as a network for assisting graduates in finding employment. Employment opportunities in environmental geology are excellent, and continue to increase as land-use problems grow more acute.
Many entry-level positions are available for students with the bachelor's degree. However, approximately 25% of our geology graduates have chosen to enter graduate school, recognizing that the master's degree enhances opportunities for advancement and long-term career stability. The quality of the geology program can be measured by assistantships and fellowships awarded to graduates at schools such as M.I.T., University of Wisconsin at Madison, University of Minnesota, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Kansas, Northern Arizona University, New Mexico State University, and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology to name a few.
Employment opportunities in the geosciences described by the Geological Society of America at the beginning of the 1990's are vastly increased over those of the 1980's. Federal and state regulatory legislation regarding waste disposal and its relationship to clean water and clean air has greatly increased employment opportunities for geologists. Many new positions are created each year with consulting firms, industries, and state and local governmental agencies. These positions are being filled by persons with bachelors and masters degrees, but the majority of employers prefer graduates with the M.S. Hiring in the petroluem industry has stabilized. Graduates with master's degrees have the best opportunities. The aging of the faculties of colleges and universities is beginning to result in increased employment opportunities for geologists in higher education. Now is an excellent time to begin preparations for such a career, and interested students should plan to attain a Ph.D. degree. Earth Science teachers will be needed in increasing numbers in most regions of the United States according to most national teacher-employment surveys. Most Earth Science teachers are employed in secondary schools where Earth Science is usually a required component of the science curriculum.
Looking for a Job
Internships and student-faculty research are highly valuable experiences in which Geology majors are participiating in record numbers. Many are supported by faculty research grants, funds from W.S.U.'s Southeastern Minnesota Water Resources Center, or other internal and external sources. Academic credit may be earned for internships and research.
Geology and Earth Science majors who are seeking internships, and those nearing graduation and are seeking employment, should be preparing resumes and cover letters and should seek the assistance of the geology faculty in this endeavor. An example resume and cover letter are included here to assist students in this important task.