I'm not sure which option is right for me. I can either major in geology with an emphasis in geophysics or I can major in applied physics with an emphasis in geophysics. I hope to attend graduate school, but I'm not sure whether I'll do that right after I complete my undergraduate degree.
Can anyone offer any words of wisdom? I'm leaning more toward geology at this point (because the field work and research opportunities sound a lot more exciting), but an applied physics degree seems more practical. I'm just not sure which degree would do a better job preparing me for future work, or whether that even matters.
I'd like a degree that'll open more doors than it closes.
2007-12-21 16:18:31 · 8 answers · asked by NM 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I'm already an undergraduate student. I'm going to be transferring to a new school in about a year, and since both majors have similar lower division requirements, I can choose either one. I need to decide before I make a transfer agreement with my new school. It's a difficult decision.
2007-12-21 20:45:42 · update #1
Follow your bliss: major in geology with an emphasis in geophysics. You'll be happier studying a subject that excites you rather than muddling through a subject only because it seems "practical".
Physics is a great field with many career opportunities, but there are still many unhappy physicists who wish they had studied something else. And many people have become rich and successful pursuing careers in geology (think oil and mining); you could be one of them.
2007-12-21 17:04:14 · answer #1 · answered by OC_Chemist 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you graduate with a Master's from a noted geophysics school (really important) like Colorado School of Mines (Stanford, LSU, OU, Texas, Texas A&M etc.)you will be able to write your ticket with just about any major oil company beginning at ~80k/year. 10 years experience will get you 2 1/2 to 3X that. I disagree with some posters in that there are few decent jobs for a graduate with a degree in straight physics....
For my money - study geology but take enough geophysics courses to actually call yourself a geophysicist when you graduate.
2007-12-22 05:35:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am studying a double degree in applied geology and geophysics.
The geology has microscope labs.
The geophysics has the maths and physics.
The first two years was very busy with a couple more classes than other students.
now the work load per semester has lowered as I catch up on the units I misst if I had done either degree singularly.
2007-12-21 17:17:53 · answer #3 · answered by borse 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A geophysics degree this day and age isn't going to close any doors regardless of how you approach it.
All I can tell you to do is to do what you really feel called to do. You aren't going to be jobless either way you go, so go the way that seems would work best for you. It would be nice to enjoy school as well as learn, wouldn't it?
PS: Geologists are fun people. Physicists tend to be stuffy.
2007-12-21 16:58:28 · answer #4 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The top dog in geology is the physical geologist.
You will need a degree in physics (PhD) and one in Geology (also a PhD) and them, baby, you will be the cats meow!
2007-12-22 02:26:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
there is an extremely excessive call for for geologists interior the oil and gasoline industry precise now. i might say that could be your cost ticket to a incredibly solid interest when you graduate. solid success.
2016-11-24 19:11:36 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
let me yoda what the person aboves said: do more you can with physics.
2007-12-21 16:31:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
physics, you can do more.
2007-12-21 16:22:08 · answer #8 · answered by Jess 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋