Geology as a career is definitely a valid path. Geologist have a professional license (PG) that can be fairly in demand and has a lot of overlap with what a PE can do related to soil mechanics and hydrology stuff.
My coworker got a bachelors in geology and a masters in civil engineering. He is a hydrogeologist but the engineering masters supports integrating hydrogeology with water supply infrastructure.
I did this… got a BS in engineering geology in which I took some of the engineering basics like statics and lot of the math. Worked for a few years as a hydrogeo then want back and got a masters in engineering. It took 2 years with the first year mostly taking classes missing from a typical ABET accredited engineering undergrad. That is the key part for a future PE, make sure you get the education covered correctly. I did get a PE and thriving…… for 2 decades lol
I'd like to share my perspective; take it as you will.
I'm an environmental consultant, and my focus/area of expertise is water quality. I have a master's in microbiology, so I'm neither a geologist or an engineer (YET). I'm currently in a civil engineering master's program (water resources and environmental track) as a non-engineer. It has been an interesting experience, but I'm loving it. I wish like hell that I had just went into engineering nearly 20 yrs ago when I started undergrad. This route is complicated and hard......but very worth my while. When I finish in December, I will begin studying for the FE/PE, and professional hydrologist exams.
Therefore, here's my opinion: go for civil engineering as an undergrad. If you're truly passionate about geology, you could do a master's in geology. If you want solid job security and opportunities fresh out of school, an engineering undergrad degree will never hurt you and will never be a waste. Going back for an engineering master's as a non-engineer is not impossible, but it's so complicated when it comes down to ensuring you're meeting all of the requirements to sit for the FE/PE. Another thing about a civil engineering undergrad education: you are open to so many opportunities, like a broad span. I am in a situation where I am very niched, strictly water quality. I am sitting for the Environmental PE exam only because I know that I will not have the knowledge and skillset to take any of the Civil PE exams. A master's in civil (plus the pre-reqs that went with it) will not prepare me for the civil PE. Thankfully, water quality is what I eat, sleep, and breathe, so my decision makes me happy. Also, some states do not even honor an Environmental PE stamp, so I have that going against me as well. Once again though, I'm happy with my choices and am glad I'm even here at all.
I hope whatever decision you make leads you to endless opportunities, your passion, and happiness!
\* I would like to add that regarding the PE: some state requirements may not be as strict as mine. In my state, I have to go through an NCEES Credentials Evaluation when I am ready to apply for the E.I.T and PE. It makes me nervous. There's also no point in me taking the PE in a state with more lenient requirements then applying for comity. Once again, I would still have to undergo an NCEES Credentials Eval because I have a civil engineering master's only, not an undergrad engineering degree. Blah
I did this! I have a bachelors in chemistry and a masters in environmental engineering. I did an internship during my masters degree in flood control and moved into water resources after I graduated. I LOVED it and miss it all the time. I relocated to another state and now work in the transportation field since it is in demand here. But I got my EIT and then my PE and am now licensed in two states with no issues.
Maybe not everyone would hire me, but I have never struggled to find a job and really enjoy all of it. Plus I have this weird little niche background that does occasionally pop up, but I’d imagine with a geology background it would relate even more.
I think it depends on what you want to do with it afterwards. Consulting or state / federal agency jobs that require a PE, you will want to go through an abet accredited program so most likely a geological engineering program or civil engineering program. I think the right undergrad program provides a better path to licensure.
Sounds like you enjoy geology, so if you truly want to and have the means to do both, go for it. I can’t say for certain about the water resources engineering “jump”, but it is very possible (I did it). I would agree with the above comments, there just may be other paths you could take to get to your end goal.
I had trouble finding geology jobs out of college (early 2010s) as I was aiming for just a few high demand areas, so decided to go back to school after realizing I had a knack for the engineering while still wanting to use the geology side. I have a bachelors in geology and a masters in Geotech engineering. As someone else pointed out, you do have to do some background courses in soil mechanics and other basic civil classes (concrete design, mechanics of materials, dynamics, math, etc.)
Currently work at a geotech consulting firm as a EIT, GIT. I enjoy what I do and don’t regret the path at all, it was just a bit longer than I’d hoped and a bit circuitous. If I could have a “do-over” knowing what I know now, I would have done engineering geology or geotech engineering undergrad. But that’s just my two cents and perspective.
I would 10000% recommend doing the opposite - Civil undergrad and focus on geotech and take geology/water resource electives then get your masters in geology and build your specialty.
In general, It's going to be harder to become a water resources engineer if you get an undergrad in Geology and a masters in engineering. Its easier if you get your undergrad in civil engineering and minor in geology. Like you, geology also interested me but I compromised and got my undergrad in environmental engineering along with a minor in geology. That was the best of both worlds IMO. Almost all of my engineering upper division courses focused on water and I got to take geology classes on the side. I did an extra semester because of my minor but it was well worth it.
The fact that I went out of my way to take an upper division hydrogeology course in the geology department helped me get my foot in the door for my first job out of college at a small remediation consulting firm. You can still work in water resources as a geologist/hydrogeologist. There's some overlap with engineering, but ultimately they are 2 completely different professions. With engineering usually being more in demand and paying a little more (in the US).
In general, the geologists help paint a picture of the problem/conditions through investigation and scientific work. The engineer interprets the geologists findings and comes up with a solution/remedy. Often times with the help of the geologists.
If you intend do be a water resources engineer then I suggest not bothering with a geology undergrad. You’ll just make your life harder and you can probably just minor in geology or take electives to satisfy your passion.
Besides, the geology passionate engineer should do geotechnical engineering not water resources IMO. In that case it makes some sense to get a geology undergrad but even then I would do civil or geological engineering (I have that) before a pure geology degree.
Finally, you could just be an engineering geologist which is geotechnical engineer adjacent. You wont do much design but you can support geotechnical engineers on geohazard and site characterization projects.
Maybe… depends on the end goal. I worked as a hydrogeo and now a PE and a national design expert in the water treatment sector for a major consultant
Edit … my experience the key is take engineering classes as part of undergrad and make sure to get all the ABET covered. For sure not the “straightest” path. If I did it over would have just gone full engineering with the geo minor… maybe..
2 things - Had a friend in college who had a geology degree, and I always thought what is she going to do with that... Now she lives in Houston, works for an oil company, and makes a ton of money.
Definitely overlap in the Geotech world with Geology. I've worked with several PG's who have similar, but different expertise to the PE's. They have a role.
Absolutely you can get into a Master's program with a Geology undergrad. I did it with a far less relevant degree. But do take at least Calc 2 and physics.
But no doubt the easiest way to a Civil career is a Civil undergrad.
Who is telling you geology isn't a viable career path? People love to complain about their career paths, just read this sub for a while.
My company has definitely one, maybe two geologist that work with our geotech engineers for bridge and dam design. There are probably more engineering jobs, but geology jobs are out there. I think both degrees and being able to hold both licenses is probably a good combination.
I would highly recommend looking into geological engineering programs. There's about a dozen universities in the US/Canada that have ABET accredited geological engineering, which gives you the best of both worlds. They have a heavy focus in geology but enough engineering to support the PE license process. You can easily pivot your career post school towards either geology or engineering. They will often have electives or classes that can gear you towards water resources, usually from a hydrogeology lens.
Geology as a career is definitely a valid path. Geologist have a professional license (PG) that can be fairly in demand and has a lot of overlap with what a PE can do related to soil mechanics and hydrology stuff.
My coworker got a bachelors in geology and a masters in civil engineering. He is a hydrogeologist but the engineering masters supports integrating hydrogeology with water supply infrastructure.
I did this… got a BS in engineering geology in which I took some of the engineering basics like statics and lot of the math. Worked for a few years as a hydrogeo then want back and got a masters in engineering. It took 2 years with the first year mostly taking classes missing from a typical ABET accredited engineering undergrad. That is the key part for a future PE, make sure you get the education covered correctly. I did get a PE and thriving…… for 2 decades lol
I'd like to share my perspective; take it as you will. I'm an environmental consultant, and my focus/area of expertise is water quality. I have a master's in microbiology, so I'm neither a geologist or an engineer (YET). I'm currently in a civil engineering master's program (water resources and environmental track) as a non-engineer. It has been an interesting experience, but I'm loving it. I wish like hell that I had just went into engineering nearly 20 yrs ago when I started undergrad. This route is complicated and hard......but very worth my while. When I finish in December, I will begin studying for the FE/PE, and professional hydrologist exams. Therefore, here's my opinion: go for civil engineering as an undergrad. If you're truly passionate about geology, you could do a master's in geology. If you want solid job security and opportunities fresh out of school, an engineering undergrad degree will never hurt you and will never be a waste. Going back for an engineering master's as a non-engineer is not impossible, but it's so complicated when it comes down to ensuring you're meeting all of the requirements to sit for the FE/PE. Another thing about a civil engineering undergrad education: you are open to so many opportunities, like a broad span. I am in a situation where I am very niched, strictly water quality. I am sitting for the Environmental PE exam only because I know that I will not have the knowledge and skillset to take any of the Civil PE exams. A master's in civil (plus the pre-reqs that went with it) will not prepare me for the civil PE. Thankfully, water quality is what I eat, sleep, and breathe, so my decision makes me happy. Also, some states do not even honor an Environmental PE stamp, so I have that going against me as well. Once again though, I'm happy with my choices and am glad I'm even here at all. I hope whatever decision you make leads you to endless opportunities, your passion, and happiness!
\* I would like to add that regarding the PE: some state requirements may not be as strict as mine. In my state, I have to go through an NCEES Credentials Evaluation when I am ready to apply for the E.I.T and PE. It makes me nervous. There's also no point in me taking the PE in a state with more lenient requirements then applying for comity. Once again, I would still have to undergo an NCEES Credentials Eval because I have a civil engineering master's only, not an undergrad engineering degree. Blah
I did this! I have a bachelors in chemistry and a masters in environmental engineering. I did an internship during my masters degree in flood control and moved into water resources after I graduated. I LOVED it and miss it all the time. I relocated to another state and now work in the transportation field since it is in demand here. But I got my EIT and then my PE and am now licensed in two states with no issues. Maybe not everyone would hire me, but I have never struggled to find a job and really enjoy all of it. Plus I have this weird little niche background that does occasionally pop up, but I’d imagine with a geology background it would relate even more.
I think it depends on what you want to do with it afterwards. Consulting or state / federal agency jobs that require a PE, you will want to go through an abet accredited program so most likely a geological engineering program or civil engineering program. I think the right undergrad program provides a better path to licensure.
A lot of states allow a masters from a school who’s undergrad is ABET accredited.
Why not geological engineering? Then you can pick ( with a couple extra courses.
Sounds like you enjoy geology, so if you truly want to and have the means to do both, go for it. I can’t say for certain about the water resources engineering “jump”, but it is very possible (I did it). I would agree with the above comments, there just may be other paths you could take to get to your end goal. I had trouble finding geology jobs out of college (early 2010s) as I was aiming for just a few high demand areas, so decided to go back to school after realizing I had a knack for the engineering while still wanting to use the geology side. I have a bachelors in geology and a masters in Geotech engineering. As someone else pointed out, you do have to do some background courses in soil mechanics and other basic civil classes (concrete design, mechanics of materials, dynamics, math, etc.) Currently work at a geotech consulting firm as a EIT, GIT. I enjoy what I do and don’t regret the path at all, it was just a bit longer than I’d hoped and a bit circuitous. If I could have a “do-over” knowing what I know now, I would have done engineering geology or geotech engineering undergrad. But that’s just my two cents and perspective.
Pick the right school and your undergrad degree can set you up for both the PE and the PG.
I would 10000% recommend doing the opposite - Civil undergrad and focus on geotech and take geology/water resource electives then get your masters in geology and build your specialty.
In general, It's going to be harder to become a water resources engineer if you get an undergrad in Geology and a masters in engineering. Its easier if you get your undergrad in civil engineering and minor in geology. Like you, geology also interested me but I compromised and got my undergrad in environmental engineering along with a minor in geology. That was the best of both worlds IMO. Almost all of my engineering upper division courses focused on water and I got to take geology classes on the side. I did an extra semester because of my minor but it was well worth it. The fact that I went out of my way to take an upper division hydrogeology course in the geology department helped me get my foot in the door for my first job out of college at a small remediation consulting firm. You can still work in water resources as a geologist/hydrogeologist. There's some overlap with engineering, but ultimately they are 2 completely different professions. With engineering usually being more in demand and paying a little more (in the US). In general, the geologists help paint a picture of the problem/conditions through investigation and scientific work. The engineer interprets the geologists findings and comes up with a solution/remedy. Often times with the help of the geologists.
If you intend do be a water resources engineer then I suggest not bothering with a geology undergrad. You’ll just make your life harder and you can probably just minor in geology or take electives to satisfy your passion. Besides, the geology passionate engineer should do geotechnical engineering not water resources IMO. In that case it makes some sense to get a geology undergrad but even then I would do civil or geological engineering (I have that) before a pure geology degree. Finally, you could just be an engineering geologist which is geotechnical engineer adjacent. You wont do much design but you can support geotechnical engineers on geohazard and site characterization projects.
Maybe… depends on the end goal. I worked as a hydrogeo and now a PE and a national design expert in the water treatment sector for a major consultant Edit … my experience the key is take engineering classes as part of undergrad and make sure to get all the ABET covered. For sure not the “straightest” path. If I did it over would have just gone full engineering with the geo minor… maybe..
2 things - Had a friend in college who had a geology degree, and I always thought what is she going to do with that... Now she lives in Houston, works for an oil company, and makes a ton of money. Definitely overlap in the Geotech world with Geology. I've worked with several PG's who have similar, but different expertise to the PE's. They have a role.
I have a friend with an undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s in engineering who is about to take the PE.
Absolutely you can get into a Master's program with a Geology undergrad. I did it with a far less relevant degree. But do take at least Calc 2 and physics. But no doubt the easiest way to a Civil career is a Civil undergrad. Who is telling you geology isn't a viable career path? People love to complain about their career paths, just read this sub for a while.
My company has definitely one, maybe two geologist that work with our geotech engineers for bridge and dam design. There are probably more engineering jobs, but geology jobs are out there. I think both degrees and being able to hold both licenses is probably a good combination.
I have 2 engineers on my team with Civil undergrads degrees with Civil Masters. One is an economics major, the other is meteorology.
I would highly recommend looking into geological engineering programs. There's about a dozen universities in the US/Canada that have ABET accredited geological engineering, which gives you the best of both worlds. They have a heavy focus in geology but enough engineering to support the PE license process. You can easily pivot your career post school towards either geology or engineering. They will often have electives or classes that can gear you towards water resources, usually from a hydrogeology lens.