Comments on: How Do You Know If Geology Is Right For You?

By: Rene 203

Rene 203 — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 01:01:16 +0000

If you’re very interested, and have an easy time learning the material, then it is for you! If you’re willing to work at it, but find that you love it, then I think you should stick to it.

For me, I always loved looking at rocks, and learning everything I could. I went to college to major in it, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. There is just so much to learn, and because I was interested in it, it made it very easy for me. I wouldn’t recommend it for people who don’t have an interest in it. Just like anything, do what you enjoy!

By: Kamryn Trowbridge

Kamryn Trowbridge — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 11:07:15 +0000

The geology program at my school is relatively small but I know a lot of different people become geology majors. My adviser told me that you have to be good at math, but I’m not. You just have to be persistent in your learning, most geology programs require a lot of physics, chemistry and math (mostly physics). You also have a healthy smattering of computer work. My school combined oceanography with geology, but even as a geology major you will learn the basics of all sciences (requirements are usually biology, chemistry, physics, oceanography, and advanced calc.).

People who excel in geology programs usually have an unquenchable desire to learn new things, persistence helps in classes that are required but can become bothersome. Interest alone may not be enough, if you are a freshman, take an intro geology class to see if you even like the material (all of it) and explore your institution’s degree requirements. If you like the material and you think you can handle the requirements, go for it!

Rocks and minerals are the foundation of geology for sure, knowing your rocks is really important. Explore other areas of geology to see if they pique your interest. My personal flavor is volcanics and tectonics. Other areas include hydrogeology, sedimentology, seismics, etc…

I’ve always had an interest in Earth processes, I found them fascinating from elementary through high school, but I actually started college wanting to become an International business major, but I took a freshman geology class and I was hooked. Once I got into the program and started taking classes related to my major I found even more topics that interested me. What attracted me to geology was that you can focus on details or the big picture. You can study minerals or a geologic system, it doesn’t matter, geology is a very broad science. You just find your niche and go with it. Colleges and universities are the best places to find researchers and professors who have very interesting stories to tell.

From my point of view, geology has the best and most interesting people of all the sciences, we always have the most fun!

By: Ace Gallagher

Ace Gallagher — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 08:02:48 +0000

Well, I guess it would vary from person to person. Geology is such a wide science that different people find different aspects to love.

I like faults and folds. One of my colleagues studies uranium minerals. Another does invertebrate paleontology. Another does isotopic age dating.

I guess all I can say is you don’t know if its for you until you get into it. But if you already are fascinated with rocks and minerals you probably will enjoy geology and be able to find your niche in it and make an enjoyable career.