This column is written in rebuttal to the dean's assertion that Geology is a drain on the resources of UF because of the low number of Ph.D.'s and undergraduates.
Geology is a found major. Most incoming students to UF seek traditional majors because they have little exposure to the geological sciences. Nearly every single major is a student who took a geology class to fill a general education requirement and said "Hey, this is a perfect major for me."
Before UF instituted the 120 hour rule, the size of the undergraduate geology population at UF was larger. Unfortunately, I see at least a dozen or more students every year who want to change majors, but are not allowed to change because of the number of credits they have already earned. Can you imagine finding your life's passion and then being told you cannot pursue that passion because you found it too late?
In spite of the hurdles thrown in front of our majors and potential majors, the geology undergraduate numbers have doubled in the last five years. Large numbers of majors are a good thing, but one of the nice things about having a smaller number is that our undergraduates get to know and work with faculty members on research projects. Nearly every undergraduate has worked (or will work) on a research project as part of their curriculum.
Lastly, there must be an infrastructure in place to handle an increasing number of majors. Lab space, instructors, etc., must exist before we can handle larger numbers. Major space for laboratory and teaching expansion cannot happen in our building because it is still occupied by the physics department (that department with the nice new building by the Reitz Union).
In an economy that is struggling today, there is still at least one employment bright spot and that is in Earth science disciplines. In this state alone, geologists work in a wide variety of industries ranging from mining, environmental, groundwater, surface water, construction and nuclear-test monitoring. These industries all rely on the skills of highly trained geoscientists. The Geology Gator Nation has far-reaching tentacles that positively benefit our state and nation.
With a geology degree, our students get great jobs, and our success in placing students in these jobs is unparalleled in CLAS. By any metric you wish to apply, UF is a preeminent school in geosciences. Our faculty is made of internationally respected researchers whose goal it is to see their students succeed in helping Florida maintain and develop our natural resources and to protect our citizens from geological hazards such as diminishing groundwater resources and pollution.
The department also brings in a large overhead budget that helps support undergraduate and graduate education.
The Ph.D. program at UF is relatively young, yet the trajectory of our program is positive. One of the biggest hurdles we face with Ph.D. students is the fact that many of our master's students finish and try to decide whether or not to get a Ph.D. or go out into the workforce.
Imagine trying to decide if you want to spend 4 to 5 more years being paid a low wage and working your tail off or accepting a $90,000 per year job with a $10,000 to $12,000 signing bonus. Yes, that's what geology master's graduates are making working in geology.
Joseph Meert is the undergraduate advisor for Geological Sciences and a UF alumnus.
