at UHD and Throughout Houston By: Mariana Elliott
What is the fastest growing occupation in the country? The answer: geoscientists, professionals who study the physical aspects of the earth and, in the energy sector, use technology to find natural resources around the world. Houston’s booming oil and gas industry has contributed to an increased demand for geoscientists and UHD is in the position to address that need through education. This semester, UHD is offering for the first time a new bachelor’s degree in geoscience, along with three specific concentrations. “UHD’s geoscience degree offers several aspects that make it special, including concentrations in the industry- and research-related fields of petroleum geotechnology, environmental geology and geochemistry, as well as an emphasis on undergraduate research. This will make our students more competitive in graduate school and in the geosciences career market,” said Associate Professor Ken Johnson, who was instrumental in developing the degree program. Lisa Morano, chair of the Department of Natural Sciences, also was active in the program’s creation and is looking forward to seeing students pursue their passions for geology. “I am thrilled to now have a bachelor’s degree in geoscience at UHD. This is an excellent science degree to offer in the city of Houston – giving our students tremendous career opportunities.” With the addition of this degree, UHD is better able to meet the employment demands of Houston’s thriving economy, while preparing students for successful careers following graduation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for geoscientists is projected to grow by 21 percent from 2010 – 2020, faster than the average of all occupations.
Work Force Shifts Create Manpower Needs “The number of geoscience-related jobs has increased by almost 30 percent during the last decade.” According to Louise S. Durham, Explorer Correspondent
Aug. 23, 2013 “The thriving oil and gas industry in Houston is helping companies in a variety of sectors see new growth.”
Associate Professor Ken Johnson, left, examines rock samples with UHD students.
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UHD Magazine