FACTS:
- employment in geoscience expected to continue fast growth through 2012
- median earnings for geoscientists and environmental scientists was $57,000 in 2002
- average beginning salary for geoscientists with B.S. degree was $32,828 in 2003
- the Geology program at Oswego State has spearheaded the campus' G.I.S. initiative
(U.S. Dept. of Labor 2005 statistics)
Solid Fundamentals
The Oswego Geology faculty feel strongly that hands-on experience is
critical to becoming a complete geoscientist. A 2004 examination of
the Geology program by external experts had this to say about our
program:
"The Geology program in the Department of Earth Sciences at SUNY at
Oswego has long been recognized for its tradition of excellent
preparation of undergraduate students. After this review, it is clear
that the tradition is still alive."
Studies in Geology require a significant component of outdoor
activity, unlike most majors in the natural and physical sciences.
Almost all Geology courses involve either field-related projects or
field trips to regional areas of interest. The major also requires
students to complete a 5 week summer field course (GEO 481) which runs
each June, partly in the Adirondack Mountains and partly other
locations, including the Hudson Highlands, western Maine, Cobalt,
Ontario, the Thousand Islands region, and the Tug Hill Plateau in
northern New York. The noted Field Camp program gives students
experience mapping and solving geological problems in the field and
emphasizes research.
Additionally, the Geology program has led an initiative to develop Geographical Information Systems
(G.I.S.) courses and to incorporate G.I.S. into existing courses, in
order to benefit our graduates. G.I.S. skills are becoming ever more
essential in the job market.
Close Faculty - Student Contact
It is all too common for the University experience to be one of
anonymity for students; however the Geology faculty actively works to
make all majors feel that they are important parts of the program.
Undergraduate enrollment in the B.S. programs in Geology (with a track
in Environmental Geology) and Geochemistry at Oswego averages 30 majors
with another ~10 majors in Adolescence Education/Earth Sciences. With
4 full time professors, this enhances faculty-student interaction by
maintaining small class sizes. Beyond the 100-level, Geology major
classes contain 10 students on average. Close connection between
faculty and students allows for enhanced, individualized networking
between future graduates and prospective employers for all students.
Undergraduate Research
Geology at Oswego offers undergraduate students unprecedented
opportunities for research. Geology was among the first programs at
Oswego to require all students
to complete a Capstone research thesis or internship. Each student,
working with their chosen faculty advisor, determines the topics for
thesis projects. Strong connections between Oswego faculty and
scientists at regional institutions (Columbia University, McGill
University, SUNY-Buffalo, University of Rochester, Syracuse University)
permit expanded opportunities for undergraduate research. Many of
these projects lead to published works in scientific journals and
presentations at international conferences. In fact, four Geology
majors have been awarded the top prize at recent Quest days, SUNY-Oswego's annual campus-wide research celebration.
Why is research important? Research gives students experience that
classes are less capable of imparting: formulating scientific
questions, thinking critically, testing hypotheses. The Capstone
thesis program further requires additional preparation in scientific
writing and communication, invaluable skills in the workplace. This
ensemble of experiences delivers skills that are central to success in
careers not only in research, but also in industry, teaching, and
policymaking.
Abundant Jobs in Geology
Outlook for employment in the Earth and Environmental sciences is at
its all-time best. Nowadays a significant proportion of professional
geologists work in areas such as urban planning, environmental restoration, and defense intelligence,
as well as in oil, gas, and mineral exploration. Graduates from a
strong Geology program like SUNY-Oswego's can expect employment
opportunities in a wide assortment of industries. Most recent
graduates are employed in industries related to the environment or as
secondary teachers. Many of our students have also found success in
excellent graduate programs such as SUNY-Buffalo, SUNY-Stony Brook,
Rutgers University, Temple University, the University of Florida and
the University of Pittsburgh.
An Education Employers Respect
Employers cite the demanding course load and high-level research
that all Oswego graduates undertake as key components to their
successes in industry. Employers know that Oswego graduates have solid
grasp of both geological principles and fundamental science and
mathematics, since all students must satisfy requirements in calculus,
physics, and chemistry as presented in notoriously demanding courses.
The focus in the Geology program is to give students the
intellectual tools with which to excel in whatever endeavor they
choose. Thus, rather than emphasizing fashionable topics, we seek to
pass on transferable skills: quantitative reasoning, independent
analysis, effective time management, and practical application of
theory.
