Careers in earth and ocean sciences
What can I do with a degree in earth and ocean sciences?
With us, you'll learn to think like a scientist and conduct research in labs and in the field. Our optional co-op program can give you the experience and contacts needed for success.
Our graduates enter into exciting professional careers including mineral and energy exploration and recovery, environmental geoscience, and research.
Career options for our graduates:
- Consultant
- Environmental geoscientist
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Hydrologist/hydrogeologist
- Laboratory technician
- Marine researcher
- Mineral & energy exploration
- Petroleum geology
- Teacher/professor
- Technical writer
More information from UVic Co-op + Career Services (PDF)
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Meet our alumni
Exploration Manager, Nicaragua
Angela worked at SSR Mining Inc. (formerly Silver Standard Resources) for seven years, first as an exploration geologist and now in the Environment and Community Relations department developing their inaugural Sustainability Report while pursuing MBA studies. Read more.
MSc, Earth and Ocean Sciences, 2009
Exploration Geoscientist, P. Geo
Tess' role as an exploration geoscientist is focused on opportunities offshore Newfoundland where she interprets 3D seismic data to image the subsurface. Her team also analyzes all other available datasets to reconstruct the paleogeography of the region. This integrated understanding of the subsurface helps in planning exploration wells, looking for the next oil discovery offshore Eastern Canada. Read more
BSc - Physics and Earth Sciences: Geophysics (2011)
Postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
Cara's research is on greenhouse gases in the Arctic Ocean and dissolved gases in groundwater adjacent to natural gas wells. Cara developed a new instrument for on-site measurement of dissolved noble gases in natural waters, quantified coastal ocean fluxes of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen using data and geochemical modeling, planned and conducted shipboard and land-based field work, and analyzed samples. Read more
BSc - Chemistry and Earth and Ocean Sciences (2010)
Chair and Instructor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Chris teaches Physics courses at Camosun College where he draws on his background in SEOS to introduce examples from oceanography, climatology and geophysics into his lectures. He also currently serves as the department chair and works with faculty and administration staff to timetable courses, budgets for equipment and classes and advises students on their academic career path. Read more
MSc and PhD - Earth and Ocean Sciences (2007, 2012)
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
William conducts oceanographic research and teaches undergraduate courses. His research focuses on estimating and understanding primary productivity in the waters off BC. Aboard research vessels, William continuously pumps seawater through the lab and measures how light is absorbed and scattered, and uses that information to infer the biomass and growth rate of marine algae. Read more
BSc - Combined Honours Program in Geography and Earth Sciences: Geosciences (2008)
Principal Geologist
Tyler has worked as an Exploration Geologist focusing on Copper and Gold deposits all over the world, including Peru, Chile, Argentina, Laos, Australia, and Canada. He is currently a Principal Geologist with NorthWest Copper Corp, working with and managing a team of industry professionals focusing on discovery and development of mineral deposits.