Why study Geology?

There are many career opportunities in the geosciences. The oil industry employs many geologists and geophysicists to explore and produce oil and natural gas. Geoscientists work in the environmental industry to clean up hazardous chemical spills, protect wetlands and groundwater, design waste facilities and in many other tasks. The US government employs a growing number of geologists in jobs that range from determining where a landslide might occur, to determine where roads should be built, to using satellite imagery to show how a city is growing, to working Mars exploration through NASA. Geologists also complete research in government laboratories and agencies such as Los Alamos National Laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. College and universities employ geologists and geophysicists to conduct research and teach as a lecturer or tenure-track professor. Many geologists teach earth science in middle and high school as well as community college.  

Why study at UTEP?

UTEP originally was the Texas College of Mines and the Geological Sciences Department has a long tradition of excellence. UTEP recently earned the Carnegie Research Distinction and is a Top Tier R1 university. Many of our graduates go into professional careers or graduate school. The department is also very active in research, and has received millions of dollars in research grants from many organizations, including the National Science Foundation, the United States Geological Survey, NASA, the Department of Energy, and major oil and gas corporations. This allows students to step beyond the classroom and have opportunity to perform research under the guidance of a faculty member.  This year, UTEP geologists worked in the greater El Paso area, Canada, Mexico, the Alps, the Himalayas, and Africa.