Careers
Our graduates are highly sought after by employers across industries, including environmental consulting firms, school districts and government agencies. Career opportunities are available in areas such as environmental protection, mineral and water resources, waste management, mined land reclamation, soil conservation and education.
Graduates of the Geology (GLY) program are pre-approved for the educational requirements for New York State’s Professional Geologist license. Students who complete the Adolescence Education: Earth Science program and earn New York State teacher certification are prepared for immediate employment in education.
We also encourage you to speak with your professors and academic advisor about careers, internships and graduate school. They can offer valuable advice, connections and personal insight to help guide your next steps.
Internship Resources
An internship is an excellent way for students to gain professional experience. The first place to start your journey is at the SUNY Cortland Career Services Internship webpage. They have an excellent guide on how you can create or find your own internship opportunities.
Environmental Geoscience majors are required to complete an internship, while it is an elective for Geology and Adolescent Education Earth Science majors. Environmental Geoscience students need to work with the Environmental Science Coordinator, Dr. Li Jin, early in the process to ensure their internship choice meets the requirements for their program.
Internships in Geology, Environmental Geoscience and Earth Science
- USA Jobs Students The starting place for students looking for government jobs or internships.
- Scientists in Parks Incredible and competitive internships and short-term employment opportunities in our National Parks. Applications open in December for following summer.
- Environmental Science Internships A webpage with links to many Environmental Science resources.
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Research internships in Maryland. Housing provided.
- EarthScope Summer Internship opportunities in Solid Earth Research.
- Student Conservation Association Internship opportunities across the country.
- Lunar and Planetary Institute Summer Internships in Texas.
- NASA Internship Program That's right, you could work for NASA for a summer.
Resources for Graduate School
Many career options for geology students involve further education and involve a graduate degree; typically a Master's of Science degree for many industry positions or a Doctor of Philosophy degree for some industry and most academic positions. All of your professors went to graduate school, ask them for first-hand advice.
- Graduate Programs in the Geosciences hosted by Niche.
- Check out U.S. World Report's ranking of geology graduate programs.
Resources for Careers in Geology
This section is designed to help Cortland Geology department graduates prepare for entering the work force, either in industry or in education. Students graduating from the SUNY Cortland Geology department are well prepared for a variety of careers.
Geoscience career information
- Bureau of Labor Statistics info on Geoscientists Extensive information on careers in Geology and Environmental Geoscience.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics info on Environmental Scientists Extensive information on careers in Environmental Science.
- Careers in the Geosciences A site hosted by the American Geological Institute about careers in geosciences.
- Career Profiles A site hosted by Earth Science Resources with video interviews with various Geoscientists.
Geoscience job listings
- USA Jobs U.S. Government job listings, including the United States Geological Survey, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other Department of the Interior jobs. Use Keywords such as Geologist, Physical Scientist, or Environmental Scientist in your search.
- PALEONET Jobs page Mostly academic positions in paleontology but lists some graduate school opportunities and entry level positions.
- AWG Job Web the American Association of Women Geologists, site on geoscience jobs and profiles of women geoscientists.
Teaching positions
- New York Education Jobs Teaching positions in New York and certification information.
- Education Jobs Online
Other internet employment resources
- Monster.com A very large database of positions in all fields. Definitely worth a look. You can also post your resume here.
- LinkedIn.com The networking webpage.
- Indeed.com A very large database of positions in all fields. Definitely worth a look. You can also post your resume here.