Geology Becomes a Licensed Profession in NY State

April 14, 2015

Are you a geologist working in New York? If so, you’ll soon have the ability to become licensed. On November 21, 2014, Governor Cuomo signed Chapter 475 of the Laws of 2014, allowing professional geologists to become licensed under Title VIII of the Education Law.

While the new law doesn’t go into effect until November 2016, this long-awaited development is very exciting. The new law will allow geology to be added to the current State Board for Engineering and Land Surveying. The Board of Regents will need to appoint qualified geologists to the board first, in order to implement the licensing provisions. The State Board will provide any necessary assistance to the Regents and the Department in devising the regulations needed to license qualified geologists.

Working as a Geologist

Thinking of becoming a geologist? These professionals study the solid and liquid matter that makes up the Earth and the processes that formed it. Geologists work to find how rocks were formed and what happened to them since their creation. The field has a variety of different specialties, such as stratigraphers, who study stratified rock and mineralogists, who study the structure and composition of minerals.

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level geology positions. However, some geologists choose to further their education with a master’s degree. In addition to classes related to geology, most students are required to take courses in math, physical sciences, computer science and engineering.

Anyone thinking of pursuing a career in geology must have the following skills:

  • Outstanding Critical-Thinker
  • Excellent Communicator
  • Team Player
  • Comfortable Being Outdoors for Long Periods of Time
  • Physical Stamina
  • Exceptional Problem-Solver

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of all geoscientists will increase by 16 percent from 2012 to 2022. This is due to the growing need for energy, responsible land and resource management and environmental protection.

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