Career Mentoring
Geoscientists are some of the most highly sought after science professionals in the world. The global demand for geoscientists in areas such as environmental science, geographic information systems, and mineral resource extraction far exceeds the currently available workforce. Furthermore, the demand for geoscientists is expected to increase as global demand for natural resources increases and the environmental and climate impact of human activity expands into new geographic and biological ecosystems. Many of our graduates are employed with environmental consulting firms, government agencies, and energy and mining companies. Because meaningful and rapid availability of data is vital to all geoscientists, many graduates find employment as specialists in the rapidly expanding field of geographic information systems and remote sensing.
Some of our graduates go on to earn masters and doctoral degrees at some of the nation's most prestigious research universities. Importantly, the extensive interdisciplinary course of studies provided by the degrees in our department also prepares graduates for careers in many geoscience-related professions, such park service, science journalism, and science education.
Finding a career after graduation can be confusing and difficult at times. Below you'll find a list of career areas and the faculty in the department that can provide mentoring help for each. We may be teachers now, but many of us have industry and government experience as well. Keep in mind that some of these careers will require a graduate degree to enter and be successful, an undergraduate degree may not be enough.
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you might have! Is there a career you're interested in, but it's not listed below? Let one of us know and we can help point you in the right direction!
Career Type |
Faculty Member(s) to Speak with |
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Atmospheric Scientist |
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Cartographer |
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Climate Change Scientist |
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Conservation Scientist |
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Earth Science & Environmental Educator |
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Environmental Geologist |
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Environmental Scientist |
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Geochemist |
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Geographer |
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Geographic Information Systems Scientist/Analyst |
Dr. Jeremy Aber, Dr. Henrique Momm, Dr. Racha El Kadiri, Dr. Alisa Hass |
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Geointelligence Analyst |
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Geomorphologist |
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Geophysicist |
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Hazards Scientist/Response and Preparedness |
Dr. Racha El Kadiri, Dr. Alisa Hass, Dr. Warner Cribb, Dr. Jeremy Aber |
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Hydrologist |
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Marine Geologist |
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Meteorologist |
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Mineralogist |
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Mining and Mineral Resources |
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Paleoclimatologist |
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Paleontologist |
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Park Service |
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Petroleum Geologist |
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Photogrammetrist |
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Planning and Sustainability |
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Remote Sensing Scientist |
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Science Outreach |
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Sedimentologist |
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Seismologist |
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Sustainability |
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Volcanologist |
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Water Resources Specialist |
More Information on Geoscience Careers:
- Geoscience Graduates First Jobs
- Median Salaries for Geoscience Workforce Occupations
- Explanation of Predicted Geoscience Workforce Shortage
- U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook for Geoscientists
- GISjobs.com
- The GIS Jobs Clearinghouse
- The Geosciences in Tennessee
- Physical Geographers at MTSU
Faculty Spotlight
Click the image above to see a larger version.
Dr. Warner Cribb’s research focuses on the geologic history of the solid Earth, with particular emphasis on the growth of continental crust in volcanic mountain belts. Most of Dr. Cribb’s students research the formation and chemical evolution of magmas that form volcanoes in the Cascade Range of Oregon and Washington. Their research goal is to improve the understanding of how molten rock beneath volcanoes forms, and how the chemical and physical properties of the molten rock change as it travels through Earth’s crust towards the surface.
Student research involves conducting fieldwork in the spectacular Cascade Range to collect rock samples at volcanoes, and then conducting geochemical and mineralogical analyses of the samples in labs at MTSU. Dr. Cribb’s students learn useful skills through their research, such as how to conduct geologic sample collection, how to geochemically analyze rock and mineral samples, and how to interpret and model geochemical data.
Most of Dr. Cribb’s students present their research results at national scientific conferences. Many of his students have been awarded full graduate assistantships and fellowships to attend some of the best geology graduate research programs in the country, such as at Notre Dame University, Vanderbilt University, Baylor University, The University of Oklahoma, and the University of Utah. After earning their M.S. or Ph.D. degrees, these students find employment in a range of geoscience employment sectors, such as mining, oil and gas exploration, advanced materials research, environmental consulting, and education.
