Earth Science Builds
Careers for Life
The role of Earth science in meeting society’s
needs continues to grow in importance. Earth
science develops skills that help students become better
problem solvers, including three-dimensional analysis and
comprehension of time and scale. Earth scientists use
these skills to ensure a supply of clean water, explore for
oil, gas, and coal, map the oceans, track severe weather,
and discover the Earth materials we need to build our
homes and roads, and the minerals and nutrients we need
to farm the land.
Earth scientists work for a wide range of organizations,
including petroleum companies, environmental firms, mining
companies, and construction companies. They work in
local, state, and federal government agencies and teach in
our schools, colleges, and universities. Earth scientists also
work in non-traditional industries such as telecommunications
and financial planning, assisting their organizations to address
Earth-related issues that affect their activities.
More than 800 colleges and universities in the United
States offer degrees in the Earth sciences. Nearly half of these
colleges offer a Masters Diploma, the professional degree for
pursuing a career as an Earth scientist. However, training in the
Earth sciences builds a foundation for work in other fields, and nearly
half of those graduating with Earth science degrees establish careers
in fields as varied as engineering, law, systems analysis, and financial
management.
Earth science provides a strong background for many career paths
and instills an understanding of how the Earth system influences the many
and varied aspects of human activity. However, many students graduate from
high school unaware of the contributions that Earth scientists make to society and
the unique problem solving skills that Earth science instills. We must make Earth
science education a priority at all levels if we, as a society, are to meet the
increasing demands of the future.
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