Sterling Richard
English 10-G
March 27, 2012
Geological Engineer When people think of North Dakota they think of rolling hills, of farmland with a tractor seeding next year’s crops. This is actually very true. However, North Dakota has a darker side: A Petroleum Black side. We need oil, and we also need people who can determine how to get that oil out of the ground, preserve the environment, and build safe oil-related structures. These are a few of the many responsibilities of a Geological Engineer. I will focus mainly on oil-related Geological Engineering. By researching all that Geological Engineering entails, I will determine the drawbacks and benefits of becoming a Geological Engineer in this day and age, especially in North Dakota. To begin, I will study the broad term “Geological Engineer”.
Engineering itself is a broad area with many specific disciplines. Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet producers and consumer needs. Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a machine, structure, or system operates; to generate specifications for parts; to monitor the quality of products; and to control the efficiency of processes. Geological Engineers will do all of this except pertaining especially to Geology. Geology is the study of earth’s crust. Geological Engineers apply geologic principles to the fields of civil and environmental engineering, offering advice on major construction projects and assisting in environmental remediation and natural hazard-reduction projects. Geological Engineers will analyze the integrity of soil, rock, groundwater and other natural conditions prior to major construction projects. They also advise on procedures required for such developments and the suitability of appropriate construction materials. As you can tell a Geological Engineers primary role is to analyze and consult on any major project affecting the ground.
Now I will observe the schooling involved in becoming a Geological Engineer. To become a Geological Engineer one must have a passion for math and science. Almost all of Geological Engineering involves a deeply interconnected surplus of math and science. The math involved is mostly the higher level Calculus. The science involved is patches of Chemistry and a few Physics classes here and there. As required by the government, almost all college degree’s involve some general English classes and a Physical Education class. Many humanities (mostly social sciences) credits are required for graduation as well as some computer application classes. These are all classes that do not directly involve Geology or Geological Engineering; those that do include from Intro to Geological Engineering to Mineralogy/Crystallography. These are two of classes of about.

Now that I have selected the college I will attend while taking a bachelors degree in Geological Engineering, I will address the salary involved in the profile of a Geological Engineer. Salary is a main part of any job, so I find it pertinent to discuss this with myself before I make a decision to pursue this career.

"Sloan Career Cornerstone Center: Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine." Sloan Career Cornerstone Center: Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. http://www.careercornerstone.org/eng/eng.htm. Sloan Career Cornerstone is a resource for anyone who is interested in exploring any careers in science, engineering, technology, computing, healthcare, and mathematics. Here you can browse interviews with hundreds of qualified professionals who have offered candid insight on their own careers. I learned from their article pertaining to