Career Guide for Earth Science Studies

Earth Science is the study of the Earth and its neighbors in space. It is an exciting science with many interesting and practical applications. Earth scientists use their knowledge about Earth processes such as human activity, natural disasters, changing conditions, availability of resources etc and formulate methods to protect the people and the planet. The aura of today’s world is filled with enormous threats due to increased natural calamities and the disheveled state of humans who seem to have lost control. While the environmentalist have already pressed the panic button, there’s a no doubt about the demand for earth scientists in today’s scenario. The integrated field of science deals, basically, with subjects such as geography, geology and oceanography.

Courses & Eligibility:

If you are a pre-college student you can start preparing for a career in Earth science by enrolling yourself in a appropriate science course and keep focusing on math, writing, and other disciplines as they are utilized regularly by Earth scientists. A good number of institutions offer M.Tech in the field of Earth Sciences. M.Sc programme in geology, applied geology or geophysics cover theoretical aspects in this field, whereas M.Tech programme covers practical application such as exploration of petroleum, metal and non-metallic minerals and ground water.

Some of the courses offered are:

• M.Tech in Petroleum Geosciences
• M.Tech in Applied Geology
• M.Tech in Applied Geophysics

Students who have completed M.Sc in geology, applied geology or geophysics and have a valid score of GATE are eligible for the M.Tech courses.

Career prospects:

At present, job opportunities in many areas of the Earth sciences are better than average, irrespective of the economical downturns. Students can get jobs in the oil, mining , remote sensing and petroleum sectors respectively. International consulting opportunities are bright for those who have prior experience on international geoscientific projects. Ecoscientists with experience have lucrative prospects in private consultancy work also.

Remuneration:

Graduates can earn anywhere between Rs.3 lakh to Rs.6 lakh per fiscal year depending upon the sector one has joined.