Geological and earth sciences programs teach people about the physical makeup and history of Earth. Students learn to analyze how and why Earth evolved. They study ways to locate natural resources and identify natural hazards. In addition, students learn to provide advice for land use management and pollution control.

Some people think of geologists as rock hounds. Like a hound, they are always hot on the trail looking for answers to the many questions about our Earth. Why are there earthquakes? When will a volcano erupt? Where can we find gold? What can a fossil tell us about the climate a million years ago? How can we clean up an oil spill?

As a student, you learn about the history of the Earth. You learn about the physical forces that shape and form the Earth. You learn about ways to locate minerals, energy sources, and water. You learn how to read and construct field maps and how to use instruments to measure Earth's gravity and magnetic field.

Much of what you learn has to do with preserving and protecting our environment. You learn how to correct pollution problems. You also learn about ways to prevent disasters such as landslides. By studying Earth's past and analyzing the present, you can make predictions about the future. This prepares you to give advice about ways to avoid natural environmental hazards.

Some community colleges offer a two-year program in geological and earth sciences; this program prepares you to work as a lab technician. More than 500 colleges in the U.S. offer a bachelor's program in geological and earth sciences. This program takes four years beyond high school. With a bachelor's degree, you will be prepared for entry-level work as a field technician or research assistant.

Most jobs in geology require an advanced degree. A graduate degree will provide you with expert knowledge in the specialty area of your interest. About 200 universities offer graduate programs in geology. A master's degree usually takes six years beyond high school, and a Ph.D., two or three more years beyond that. A Ph.D. degree is required for most research positions and some government agencies.

During graduate school, most students choose to specialize in a particular area such as:

• Economic Geology - explores for and develops geologic materials that have profitable uses
• Environmental Geology - solves problems with pollution, waste disposal, and urban development and hazards such as flooding and erosion
• Mineralogy and Petrology - studies the formation, composition, and properties of minerals
• Petroleum Geology - is involved in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas
• Structural Geology - studies deformation, fracturing, and folding that has occurred in Earth's crust
• Paleontology - concerns what fossils can tell us about our history