Skills you’ll develop
While studying Earth and Ocean Sciences, you’re learning about the history and dynamics of our planet and how to best manage its resources and the environment we live in. You’ll develop important skills across a broad spectrum of disciplines incorporating geology, geophysics, oceanography and atmospheric sciences.
These skills may include:
- Application of knowledge about the physical environment, spatial relations, and climate change
- Recognition and classification of earth materials, movements, and structures
- Identification of relationships between geoscience problems and societal factors
- Application of various scientific approaches to solve geological and oceanographic problems
- Field research and analysis
- Modeling and sampling techniques
- Usage of programming languages including MATLAB and Python
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including government agencies, environmental consulting, manufacturing, inspection and maintenance, research, mining, natural resources management, waste and water treatment, teaching, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.
Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.
- Air pollution field technician
- Air quality meteorologist
- Climate service technician
- Climatological technician
- Ecologist
- Environmental geologist
- Environmental impact analyst
- Environmental science manager
- Environmental technician
- Environmental toxicologist
- Fisheries technician
- Forester
- Geochemist
- Geomorphologist
- Geophysicist
- GIS technologist
- Groundwater technologist
- Geologist
- Geoscientist
- Health and safety officer
- Journalist
- Laboratory manager
- Land surveyor
- Metallurgist
- Mineralogist
- Mineral technician
- Museum administrator
- Oceanographer
- Paleontologist
- Park naturalist
- Scientific writer
- Seismologist
- Soil scientist
- Teacher/Professor
- Urban planner
- Volcanologist
- Water and wastewater technician
Make the most of your specialization
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.
- Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science clubs
Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and programs. - UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability. - UBC Science Co-op
Gain work experience in earth and ocean sciences between study terms. - Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Take selected field courses in coastal and marine sciences for university credit. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Register as a Professional Geoscientist or Biologist
Understand the courses you’ll need to become certified. - Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions internships
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world settings through climate change mitigation or adaptation projects. - UBC Institute for the Ocean and Fisheries
Attend departmental events and network with students and faculty. - AME Roundup Convention
Attend a mineral exploration industry convention in term 2 and network with professionals. - Fisheries and Oceans Canada jobs
Explore research, co-op, internship and job opportunities through government programs. - Mineral Deposit Research Unit
Check out courses and events to learn more about mineral deposits and exploration methods. - Pacific Museum of Earth
Visit the campus museum and learn about scientific knowledge in the field.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- BioTalent Canada
- Canada’s Energy Geoscientists
- Canadian Association of Exploration Geophysicists
- Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists
- Canadian Environmental Network
- Canadian Geophysical Union
- Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
- Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists
- Canadian Society of Soil Science
- College of Applied Biology
- EarthLinks
- ECO Canada
- Engineers & Geoscientists BC
- Geoscientists Canada
- Geological Association of Canada
- Society of Economic Geologists
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Earth and Ocean Sciences graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.