I'm a Geoscientist

When you're asked, "What do you do for a living?" how do you respond?

"I'm a geoscientist."

But what does being a "geoscientist" really mean?

As geoscientists we investigate the physical processes of our planet. By understanding the interactions of Earth systems – geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and exosphere – geoscience helps us manage our greatest challenges and make the most of vital opportunities. Geoscientists are essential members of our communities. They provide explanations and creative solutions to society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and the health of the environment. Equally as important are the many geoscientists who devote their lives to educating future generations.

The American Geosciences Institute and its member societies provide geoscientists with a plethora of resources to support you in your geoscience profession. These include:

  • A community representing over a quarter million geoscientists globally.
  • Career information for the established and new geoscientist.
  • Community Statements on what it means to be a geoscientist.
  • Tools to engage with the public, policy and decision makers, and students.
  • Access to GeoRef, the most comprehensive database of geoscience literature.
  • A professional code of ethics.
  • Important publications providing current information in trends and research.
  • Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) with GOLI.

AGI welcomes you to the global community of geoscientists. We are here to support your life-long learning and be a resource for your geoscience career. Look below and see what we can do for you.

Become a Geoscientist
Become a Geoscientist

AGI provides information on careers in the geosciences for the public, educators, and interested students. Explore the diverse career pathways of geoscientists and find your way towards making a difference.

Join a Geoscience Organization
Join a Geoscience Organization

AGI's Member Societies and International Associates promote networking within your discipline and connect you with the geoscience community, at large.

USGS leading an outreach experience
Be a Visiting Geoscientist

This handbook, developed cooperatively by AGI and AAPG, offers ideas and resources for geoscience professionals who want to visit classrooms or lead student field trips.

Sign-up for AGI Newsletters
Sign-up for AGI Newsletters

AGI offers a variety of newsletters to help keep you informed about issues in the geosciences.

Geoscience Policy
Learn about Geoscience Policy

Review the latest federal policy initiatives impacting the geosciences, and learn about the science behind critical issues.

Order an AGI Publication
Order an AGI Publication

AGI has a wide range of popular hardcopy and ebooks for all ages.

Earth Science Week (AGI)
Participate in Earth Science Week

Get involved! Order an Earth Science Week Toolkit, read our newsletter, participate in a contest, plan an event, and more.

Donate to AGI
Donate to AGI

Help us support geoscience education and public awareness programs.

GeoRef Information Services logo. Background image:©Shutterstock.com/agsandrew
GeoRef Information Services

The world’s largest database of geoscience literature containing over 3.8 million references to journal articles, books, maps, conference papers, reports and theses.

Student with laptop. iStockphoto.com/Chris Gramly
GOLI Online Learning

Advance your career! Earn professional accreditation (CEUs) with the Geoscience Online Learning Initiative (GOLI), a series of continuing-education courses with flexibility to complete classes on your own schedule.

Understand Geoscience Ethics
Understand Geoscience Ethics

Read the 2015 AGI Guidelines for Ethical Professional Conduct and other geoscience ethics documents.