Careers
Students in the School of Earth and Environment will find career options that provide a lifetime of learning about fascinating topics, a chance to use cutting edge tools, and the opportunity to work on some of society's most pressing challenges. A few examples are below.
Geoscientists and geologists
As human populations grow, they need more water, energy, and mineral resources. Because of this growth, there is expected to be a shortage of geoscientists over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the number of geoscience jobs is expected to increase by 5% over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations.
Reflecting this strong workforce demand, geoscience jobs pay well. Mean annual salaries for geoscience occupations are well above the national average for life, physical, and social sciences. The median annual wage for geoscientists was $101,920 in May 2025 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .
Graduates who have emphasized geology usually go on to work in include water resources and the environment, oil and gas, and mining. Many also pursue government careers, including jobs for the state of Kansas and beyond.
What Do Geologists Do?
One of the great things about geology is that there is something for everyone! Industries that many of our graduates go on to work in include water resources and the environment, oil and gas, and mining. Many also pursue government careers, including jobs for the state of Kansas and beyond. There are many ways you can apply a geology degree. Some resources available to help you learn more are available at the following links:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - what do geoscientists do?
- American Geosciences Institute - geoscience careers brochure
- American Geosciences Institute - geoscience workforce reports
- Geoscience Resources on Opportunities in the Workforce (GROW)
- A Career in Geology - resource for young geologists
Helping You Reach Your Goals
At present, the Department of Geology offers the B.S./B.A. degree and the M.S. degree in geology (see Degree Options). Our B.S./B.A. degree provides broad exposure to the core elements of geology. However, students can choose to focus their upper level electives to match their career interests. Our M.S. degree option allows students to further focus their training in their area of interest and in doing so, prepare themselves for further study (e.g., Ph.D. program) or career employment.
Nearly all of our students either go on for further study, or receive solid, career-building offers from significant agencies or corporations. Many also participate in summer internships that often lead to job offers when they graduate. In addition, many of our advisory council members are in a position to interview our students in informal settings, and many careers have been launched in this manner. We also encourage our students to attend meetings of professional societies (e.g. for presenting research results and professional networking) and our alumni and the department support these efforts with funding.
Career and Student Resources
Advising
The Department of Geology faculty advisors are here to help you succeed during your time at K-State by assisting with career planning, establishing course schedules, finding study abroad programs, searching for research assistantships and internships, and connecting you to important campus resources.
Upon admittance, all undergraduates will work with our undergraduate advisor, Colleen Gura (colleengura@ksu.edu) to achieve their academic and career goals. Graduate students will be assigned an advisor based on their research interests.
Internships
Internships are a great way to learn more about the geological sciences and also get on-the-job experience. You can talk with your advisor about potential internship opportunities or search for one on your own on various websites, for example on pathwaystoscience.org
Geography, GIS, and Environmental Science
Students who study geography, environmental science, and/or geographic information science and technology can tailor their flexible and elective-rich undergraduate or graduate degree programs to meet (and typically exceed) required qualifications for a variety of career objectives and job titles. Careers are available in both the public and private sectors as well as academia, with jobs ranging from administrative/managerial to fieldwork.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sociologists study society and social behavior. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. Training in surveying methods, property law, and GIS serve as the educational foundation for state-licensed surveyors . Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sociologists study society and social behavior. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. Training in surveying methods, property law, and GIS serve as the educational foundation for state-licensed surveyors . Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities. Learn more about this occupation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
No matter what area or career you find interesting, our Student Success team can help you identify the right courses to ensure you are prepared to explore and meet new challenges.