Explore and characterize ore/mineral systems for batteries, wind, and electronics.
What graduates do
Students contribute to the responsible sourcing of materials needed for the energy transition and modern electronics.
- Field and lab‑based entry roles
- Growth tied to domestic supply chains and permitting
- Graduate study opens advanced exploration/research
Degree expectation: JXXX
Common entry-level jobs
- Field geologist
- Core/logging tech
- Geochem lab tech
- GIS tech
Careers (links to US Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook)
Major employers
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- National Laboratories
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- State Geological Surveys
- Major mining companies (Freeport McMoRan, Rio Tinto)
- Junior mining companies (Stillwater Critical Minerals)
- Automotive industry (Nissan USA, General Motors)
Training in the School of Earth Sciences
In the School of Earth Sciences, you'll build practical, career-ready skills across the Earth sciences:
- Mineralogy
- Petrology
- Stratigraphy/Tectonics
- Geophysics
- Field methods
- GIS
Courses to consider
- Mineralogy
- Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology
- Sed/Strat
- Field Methods
- Applied Geophysics
Hands‑on experiences
- Orton collections projects
- Core lab experience
- Summer mapping internships
- Industry guest lectures
FAQs
Question:
Is travel required?
Answer:
Early‑career roles may include field rotations; many lab/GIS roles are campus or city‑based.
Question:
Environmental impacts?
Answer:
Students learn geochemistry and regulatory context to support responsible practices.