Geology is the science of studying the Earth — its materials, history, and the natural processes that shape it. Geologists explore rocks, fossils, and landforms to understand how the planet has changed over time and how it might change in the future.
Today, we ask six Geology majors about where they would like to see themselves long-term.
First: What Do Geology Majors Do?
Geology majors go on to do a wide variety of things — it’s a field with real-world applications that reach from the depths of the ocean to outer space.
Some career paths include:
- Environmental Consultant – Assess land for pollution, natural hazards, or suitability for construction.
- Geotechnical Engineer – Help design safe structures by studying soil and rock stability.
- Hydrogeologist – Work with water resources, managing groundwater and ensuring clean, safe drinking water.
- Mining and Energy Geologist – Locate and manage the extraction of natural resources like minerals, oil, and gas.
- Paleontologist – Study fossils to understand Earth’s ancient life and environments.
- Seismologist – Analyze earthquakes and Earth’s internal structure.
- Geoscientist for Government or Research Agencies – Contribute to public safety, environmental protection, and scientific discovery.
Many geology graduates also pursue graduate school to specialize in areas like volcanology, planetary science, environmental policy, or climate research.
In short — geology majors don’t just learn about rocks; they help protect communities, manage natural resources, and unlock the story of our planet’s past to better plan for its future.
Long-Term Goals of Rowan Geology Majors
“To be a paleontologist and either be a college professor or a museum curator. I want to focus on either paleoneurology or paleopathologies,” says junior Kayla Bagley, a Geology major with a concentration in Paleontology and a transfer from Ocean County College from Jackson, NJ (Ocean County).
“I want to be a career academic researcher, professor and science writer. Doing so would combine all of my passions of discovery, community engagement and communication. In this capacity, I hope to publish some high-impact research about our planet’s processes, while also making it a better place for people,” says senior Tara Lonsdorf, a Geology major with GIS minor and Certificate of Undergraduate Studies in Technical and Professional Writing from East Windsor, NJ (Mercer County).
“I hope that my climate-heavy course load, research and future internship will help me join a career where I can help the environment and help people understand how important our impact on it is while doing something I’m passionate about. I would like to become a climate scientist,” says first-generation college junior James Milward, a Geology major with a Global Climate Change concentration and with a GIS and Geography minor from Pitman, NJ (Gloucester County).
“My long-term professional goal is to be a successful professional geologist working for a government agency or a private business doing some form of hydrology, or general environmental consulting,” says senior Matthew Vitale, a Geology major from Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County).
“I would like to be a paleontologist and do research,” says senior Kyle Macauley, a Geology major from Jackson, NJ (Ocean County).
“My dream goal is to become a volcanologist and work at an observatory. However, I’m open to a variety of careers, as long as I’m able to maintain a balance between time spent in the field and in the lab,” says junior Mairen Flanagan, a Geology major with a Chemistry minor from Point Pleasant, NJ (Ocean County).
Story by: Bianca Torres, senior Music Industry major
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