Bakersfield College Geology Jack Pierce – http://professorpierce.weebly.com

GEOLOGY: Why become a geologist Preparation for geology BC-Geology program Link to CUSB geology Careers in Geology

Why become a geologist: Are you interested in travel? Do you enjoy the outdoors and find nature interesting? Are you concerned about the environment? Are you interested in how natural processes work? Have you ever wondered about the natural history of our earth? Currently, there are more geology positions than folks to fill them. Entry level salaries can be greater than $90,000 / yr. Good Geology Travel

Types of geology degrees: AS-T degree (Associate in Science Transfer) SB-1440 – Student Transform Achievement Reform Act --(9-29-10) Enables CC’s and CSU’s to collaborate on AA / AS transfer degrees Completion of the CC transfer degree allows CSU junior status Guaranteed CSU admission and program priority The law prohibits CSU’s from requiring T-students to repeat similar courses already completed at the community college Status of BC geology AS-T degree – Pending BC geology courses currently match CSU courses ---- waiting for approval. BS – degree MS– degree PhD – degree

Preparation for the geology AS-T degree Suggested High School Prep Satisfactory Completion AS-T Geology Degree Math: Calculus I and II Math: Algebra (2 years) Geometry Trigonometry Courses in geology major: Physical Geology Lecture/ Lab Historical Geology Lecture/ Lab Science Courses: General Chemistry I and II General Physics I and II Science: Physics or Biology Earth Science Recommended for transfer: General Biology English: 4 years Good writing skills! AS-T Geology degree prepares student for CSU transfer as junior AS-T degree grants CSU priority admission for the geology major

Learning Geology at Bakersfield College Scholarship Opportunities: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Scholarships STEM A+PLUS Scholarships funded by NSF (ACTION + PERSISTENCE + LEADERSHIP + UNDERSTANDING = SUCCESS) STEM program awarded up to $12,000 in scholarship funds towards BC education Available to high school students entering BC as freshmen majoring in a STEM program Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology, Math, Physics Geology at BC : Currently 45 declared geology majors attending BC Typical lectures 2-days/week averaging 60-80 students/class Typical lab activities (supporting lecture) 1-day/week averaging 24 students/class Geology Club – field trips, fund raiser activities, geologic camaraderie STEM counselor and mentor (CSUB geology student) available for geology students STEM funded practical application field activities available for geology majors 6 million dollar grant (1 million dollars / yr) – showcase geology lab

Bakersfield College and CSUB Bakersfield? Why Geology at Bakersfield College and CSUB Bakersfield? Easy access to sites of geological interest including the San Andreas Fault, Sierra Nevada, Pacific Coast, Death Valley, oil fields, volcanoes, etc. Strong geology programs at BC and CSUB that have a long history of collaboration. Excellent job opportunities for graduates in the local energy industry and the natural resources field. Strong support from the community and through Federal grants.

CSUB Scholarships for Geology Majors National Science Foundation CREST Scholarships $17,000 per year for undergraduates, plus tuition support. AfricaArray Scholarships $5,000 per year and summer research opportunities supported by Penn State. National Science Foundation OEDG Scholarships $1,500 per year for incoming freshmen from the dual-credit Classes. Geology students can also apply for additional scholarships are available for all science and math majors.

Careers in the Geological Sciences Many aspects of geology careers include: Environmental Geology Economic Geology Hydrogeology Engineering Geology Petroleum Geology Marine Geology Geomorphology Planetary Geology Academia Where are geologists currently employed ? Enviorn 8% Mining 12% Petroleum 43% Academia 17% Government 18%

Mean Annual Salaries of Geoscience Professions Mean Annual Salary X 1000

Percent change in Mean Annual Salary (1999 – 2010) 26.8% Average change in mean annual salary for hydrologists, mining engineers, and other geoscience related occupations increased 11.6 % between 1999-2010. Percent change in Mean Annual Salary 27.2% 18.4%

2012 Geological Salary Survey Based on MS degree Years Experience HIGH $ AVERAGE $ LOW $ 0-2 110,000 85,000 98,700 3-5 128,000 109,400 90,000 195,000 137,300 6-9 107,000 207,000 153,400 10-14 113,000 238,000 193,600 15-19 144,000 270,000 20-24 199,200 150,000 300,000 25+ 199,600 150,000

GREAT!!!!! The Geological Outlook for the High Schooler Students need to take high school sciences seriously and prepare for college level courses. The AS-T geology degree offers a smooth and well prepared transition into the CSU geology system. The BC and CSUB geology program is well linked for for geological degree success. Several scholarships and NSF grants are available both at the CC and CSU college levels.

The Geology Outlook is Fantastic! Students need to acquire the MS degree to maximize both their educational and monetary advantages. The geo-workforce currently has 44% employees with greater than +25 years experience. Geoscience annual salaries are expected to continue rising in the next 5-10 years. In the next 5-10 years, there will be more geoscience positions than geologists to fill them. The Geology Outlook is Fantastic!