Thread: Major in Geology?

Hello everyone,

I am a rising sophomore contemplating about switching majors from psychology into geology. I was wondering if I could get some input/advice from you guys on what it's like in the field of geology and what should I expect? Google would probably be a good place to ask this, but I rather read what people from personal experience have to say. And if you're curious why I am switching majors, I don't really know, I just think that maybe Geology might be a rewarding career since I'll get to do researching that will be 50% outside of office, whilst 50% inside of office; I honestly don't have much knowledge about Geology other than that it's the study of the earth, which is why I signed up for an Intro to Geoscience class just to see what it's like before I finalize my decision. Initially I chose psychology as my major because I actually had an interest in it, but I later thought, what if I could just learn it as a hobby? In addition, psychology majors doesn't seem to get paid a lot and I heard their careers could be quite stressful, especially if you go into clinical? Anyways, thanks for all your advice, I will appreciate them all!

Thanks,
Tasty

Try the geoscience class and if you like it I say go for it. The field work element is a plus, and there are certainly jobs for geologists out there if you graduate with a decent grade.

If you've got any specific questions fire away, I'm sure there are people here who would be happy to help.

Okay I have a question: is it more practical to take Physics 1 & 2 over Biology 1 & 2? I'm planning to concentrate in Environmental Science in Geology, which do you guys think is wiser to take?

Sorry for double post, I don't have an edit option:

*I'm planning to work as an Environmental Consultant

You might be better off taking a/some maths courses - modeling groundwater flow can be very maths intensive, for instance.

I would go for physics over biology. In fact, I would also strongly consider chemistry.

I agree with Drowsy Turtle, mathematics is incredibly useful, as it transcends science.

It's amazing how far you can get in the Earth Sciences with an understanding of some fairly elementary mathematics. I have taught undergraduate environmental geoscientists in hydrogeology and in field geophysics, and have found that their level of mathematics is typically pretty low. Their chemistry however is pretty strong (certainly stronger than my chemistry!)

Biology would be useful if you intend on working in palaeontology, which is the study of life through the fossil record.