J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholarships* Undergraduate students worldwide can apply for a scholarship of up to $2,000 to attend the geology field camp of their choice. Awardees will also receive a new Blue Brunton Transit. Apply by 31 March. Learn more and apply

On To The Future Students and early career professionals from diverse communities can participate in On To the Future to receive support to attend GSA Connects. Participants receive partial travel funding if attending in-person, full or online meeting registration, one-year membership, mentorship, and special sessions with leadership during the meeting. GSA welcomes the full participation of individuals from groups who have been historically excluded from the geosciences. Applicants must reside in North America. Learn more and apply Northeastern Urban Award for Non-Traditional Students Undergraduate students and graduate students can apply for an award of up to $1,000 to defray the cost of attending the Northeastern Section Meeting if they work full time, care for dependents, or are otherwise considered a non-traditional student. Preference will be given to students in the Northeastern Section and those presenting papers, but students from any Section may apply. Learn more and apply Travel Grants* Undergraduate students and graduate students can apply to GSA Sections, Divisions, and other groups to receive funding to help defray the costs for meeting registration, field trips, short courses, and travel. Learn more and apply International Student Travel Grants Undergraduate students and graduate students who reside outside of North America can apply to GSA International for travel grants that cover costs to attend and present research at GSA Connects meetings. The Christopher I. and Irene N. Chalokwu Travel Grant supports travel for students who are in Africa and working on African geology. GSA membership is preferred but not required. Learn more and apply International Geological Congress Travel Grants Undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career professionals can apply for travel grants and mentoring for the International Geological Congress , which occurs every four years. Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident and be located currently in the United States. Learn more and apply Student Volunteer Program Undergraduate students and graduate students who volunteer at least ten hours at GSA Connects receive complimentary meeting registration and get an insider’s experience of the meeting. Learn more and sign up

Research Grants & Awards

Graduate Student Research Grants* Graduate students can apply for funding up to $3,000 to support thesis research in any branch of the geosciences. Applicants must attend school in the United States, Canada, Mexico or Central America. Learn more and apply Undergraduate Student Research Grants* Undergraduate students can further their research interests with grants available through GSA's geographic Sections. Applicants should be enrolled in institutions or conducting research within a GSA Section (United States, Canada, Mexico). Deadlines occur between 1 Mar. and 15 Apr. and vary by Section. Learn more and apply Stephen G. Pollock Undergraduate Student Research Grants* Undergraduate students may apply to GSA’s Northeastern Section to receive funding of up to $1,500 to support their geoscience research. Applicants must be enrolled in institutions within the Northeastern Section. Apply by 15 March. Learn more and apply Farouk El-Baz Student Research Grant for Desert Studies* Undergraduate students (seniors only) and graduate students anywhere in the world may apply for funding up to $2,500 to support research in desert studies. Learn more and apply Division Grants & Awards For Students* Undergraduate students and graduate students can find research grants, travel funding, and awards for best papers and presentations through GSA’s scientific Divisions. Learn more and apply Division Honors & Awards for Professionals Professionals may receive recognition from GSA’s scientific Divisions for excellence in research, publishing and teaching, and for distinguished careers in the geosciences. Learn more and apply W. Storrs Cole Memorial Research Award* GSA Members or Fellows who are between 30 and 65 years of age and who have published one or more significant papers on micropaleontology may apply for this award, which supports research in invertebrate micropaleontology. Learn more and apply Gladys W. Cole Memorial Research Award* GSA Members or Fellows who are between 30 and 65 years of age and who have published one or more significant papers on geomorphology may apply for this award, which supports the investigation of the geomorphology of semiarid and arid terrains in the United States and Mexico. Learn more and apply AGeS3 Advancing Geochronology Science, Spaces, and Systems —This program addresses challenges in geochronology data access, technical innovation, and training. AGeS-Grad: Graduate students may receive grants of up to $10,000 that enable them to develop the scientific rationale for projects involving geochronology and receive hands-on experience acquiring data in labs, all while being mentored by geochronologists. Program info AGeS-DiG: Graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and senior scientists may receive $12,000 to $15,000 grants to help them engage, train, and educate students who have not traditionally had equal access to geochronology resources. Program info AGeS-TRaCE: Postdoctoral scientists and senior scientists may receive grants up to $10,000 to support community driven ideas for addressing geochronology needs, such as capturing, formalizing, and disseminating not yet standardized geochronology knowledge that is not widely available, and providing opportunities for collaborative discussion on key geochronology challenges related to human-, technical-, or cyber-infrastructure. Program info

Participate in a webinar to learn a new topic and connect with fellow geoscientists. Topics covered include: graduate school preparation, career preparation, types of geoscience careers, conversations with diverse geoscientists, geoscience policy, navigating GSA meetings, applying to GSA programs, and more. Register for upcoming webinars and view past webinars in GSA’s online webinar library. Learn more and find webinars

Career Resources, Articles, and Other Information

Get answers to commonly asked career questions from leaders in consulting, petroleum, mining, non-profit, government, and non-traditional geoscience positions. Learn more

Subscribe to GeoScene, a monthly message for students and early career professionals charting their education and careers. Learn more and subscribe

Learn a new topic, build your skills, and network with peers and professionals. Select courses offer perks like special pricing, scholarships, travel grants, and free ebooks for students and early career professionals. Offered at GSA Connects and GSA Section Meetings. Learn more

Join your colleagues in the field to learn about ground-breaking research in a new region. GSA field trips are designed to be educational, interesting, and fun! Offered at GSA Connects and GSA Section Meetings. Learn more

GSA science editors share valuable advice for students and early-career professionals interested in learning how to prepare and publish papers in this free workshop. Offered at GSA Connects. Learn more

Professional Learning & CEUs

Earn CEUs by attending GSA Connects and GSA Section meetings, and by participating in some of GSA’s professional development activities, such as short courses, field trips, and workshops. CEUs may help you achieve or maintain professional certifications. GSA’s new Professional Learning Pathways allow meeting attendees to document their professional learning within focused topical tracks. Learn more

National Park Service Scientists in Parks

Immerse yourself in meaningful, applied projects that foster your professional experience and life-long connection to America’s national parks. These paid opportunities are ideal for undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career professionals and occur in both summer and winter months. Learn more and apply

Enhance your skills and participate in geoscience-driven projects relevant to the management of national forests and federal public lands. These paid opportunities are ideal for undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career professionals and occur primarily in summer months. Learn more and apply

Best Student Geologic Mapping Competition

Submit and highlight your recent efforts to field map and/or create geologic maps in this unique annual competition at GSA Connects. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more

Science Communication Internship

Build confidence and skills for conveying scientific subject matter in compelling ways, and make the material presented at GSA Connects accessible to wider audiences. Interns earn complimentary meeting registration and a $100 travel stipend. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more and apply

Science Communication Fellowship

If you are passionate about science communication, build your knowledge and skills for communicating geoscience and its value to society. This paid, eleven-month, non-residential fellowship offers the chance to gain experience and professional contacts while working in concert with GSA communications and member leaders. Open to graduate students and professionals. Learn more and apply

GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellowship

Put your expertise to work by shaping science and technology policy on Capitol Hill. Spend a year working for a member of Congress or congressional committee. This paid fellowship is open to GSA members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A Ph.D. at the time of appointment or a master’s degree in engineering plus five years of professional experience is required. Learn more and apply

Science Policy Fellowship

Spend a year in Washington, D.C., advancing efforts to bring scientists and their work into the policy process. Keep GSA members informed, involved, and represented in areas related to research funding, energy & natural resources, climate change, and natural hazard mitigation and response. This paid fellowship is open to graduate students and early-career geoscience graduates. Learn more and apply

James B. Thompson, Jr. Distinguished International Lectureship

Apply your expertise to share stimulating and cutting-edge geoscience research internationally. This program seeks two dynamic speakers of established scientific stature—one working inside and one working outside of North America—to tour and lecture at institutions under the guidance of GSA International. Learn more and apply

Mentoring365* Sign up for Mentoring365, a virtual mentoring program that facilitates an exchange of professional knowledge, expertise, skills, insights, and experiences through dialogue and collaborative learning. The program provides mentors and mentees with structured, relationship-building tools to develop and accomplish focused career goals. Learn more GSA Member Community* GSA members can connect with one another online through GSA’s Member Community. Post questions and comments in the Open Forum, read up on resources posted by your peers, engage directly with colleagues in your Section, Division, or Committee, use the Roommates & Rides community to assist with accommodations and travel for GSA meetings, share and find opportunities in the Student Forum, and explore other ways to network. Learn more

Explore Schools and Careers at GSA Meetings

Campus Connection Save time and money by visiting with recruiters from several top geoscience schools all in one location. Learn more GeoCareers Day Program Learn about a variety of careers, network with agency and industry representatives, and boost your skills for applying to jobs and internships. Learn more GeoCareers Corner Visit this space for drop-in mentoring, résumé review, small-scale networking and mentoring events, presentations from professionals, and a place to post and view jobs. Learn more GeoCareers Workshops† Learn about topics like career planning, informational interviewing, career exploration, cover letters, résumés, and CVs. Learn more

Get Mentoring at GSA Meetings

On To the Future Mentor On To the Future participants can receive one-on-one mentoring. Mentors share their professional and personal experiences in the geosciences and introduce their mentee to their network or others in the field. Learn more Drop-in Mentoring Meet one-on-one for 30 minutes with a mentor who will answer questions and provide academic and career advice. Learn more Résumé Clinic Meet one-on-one for 30 minutes with a mentor who will review your résumé and provide career advice and guidance. Learn more Roy J. Shlemon Mentor Program in Applied Geoscience Program*† GSA student members are invited to attend an informal, lunchtime gathering with practicing geoscientists to learn about careers in applied geoscience. Learn more John Mann Mentors in Applied Hydrogeology Program*† GSA student members are invited to attend an informal, lunchtime gathering with practicing hydrogeologists to learn about careers in applied hydrogeology. Learn more

Network at GSA Meetings

Networking Reception Students and early career scientists can network with more than 40 geoscience professionals from a variety of employment sectors. Mentors will answer questions, offer advice about career plans, and discuss job opportunities within their fields. Learn more Early Career Professionals Coffee Meet with representatives from non-profit organizations that have activities of interest to early career professionals. Network and share ideas about how these organizations can best serve the needs of early career professionals. Learn more Women in Geology Career Pathways Reception Hear short presentations from women geoscientists who will discuss their career trajectories and issues they have faced throughout their career. A Q&A session follows in which attendees are encouraged to network and share ideas. Learn more Hydrogeology Division Careers and Networking Events Get career advice from hydrogeologists in a variety of sectors, including government, industry, and academia. A roundtable mentoring session follows, providing time for individuals to network, share ideas, and discuss careers. Learn more

Campus Representatives* Volunteer to serve as a Campus Representative and join a cohort of nearly 500 GSA members at two- and four-year universities who share information about GSA membership, meetings, and programs, and encourage the involvement of their students and professional colleagues. Volunteer today Committees* Become a member leader by joining a committee at any stage of your career and make decisions that help guide and shape the future of GSA. Nominate to a committee Student Advisory Council* Become a member of the Student Advisory Council by serving as the Student Representative for a Division, Section, or Committee. Student Representatives play an especially vital role in GSA leadership and contribute to the future of the Society and the geosciences. Learn how to get involved

Recognize Outstanding Geoscientists

Honors & Awards* Nominate a colleague for an award to recognize their contributions to geoscience and the profession. Learn more and nominate GSA Fellowship* Nominate a colleague to Fellowship in recognition of a sustained record of distinguished contributions to the geosciences and to GSA. Learn more and nominate

Shape Geoscience Policy

Geosciences Congressional Visits Day* Join your colleagues at GSA and other Earth science societies to increase the visibility of and support for the geosciences in Congress. Learn more Policy Toolkit* Utilize these resources to learn how to engage effectively with policymakers to foster support for the geosciences. Access the toolkit

Share Your Knowledge & Experience

Volunteer as a Mentor Provide guidance to students and early career professionals in multiple venues, such as GSA Connects, GSA Section meetings, or online through Mentoring365. Mentors could be late stage graduate students through retirees. Students especially like connecting with early career professionals to learn about current job application processes. Learn more Give a GeoCareers Presentation Share career tips and opportunities with students at the GeoCareers Corner at GSA Connects. Presentations by early career professionals are especially sought. Learn more Teach a Short Course Gain recognition as an expert in your topic of research as an instructor of a short course at GSA Connects or a GSA Section meeting. Help others learn a new topic, build their skills, and network with peers and professionals. Learn more Lead a Field Trip Connect and network with colleagues who share your research interests and passions by leading a field trip at GSA Connects and GSA Section Meetings. Design a field trip that is educational, interesting, inclusive, and fun! Learn more Participate in a Webinar Be a panelist or presenter in a webinar to share your expertise and connect with fellow geoscientists. Webinars cover topics like graduate school school preparation, career preparation, types of geoscience careers, conversations with diverse geoscientists, geoscience policy, and more. Explore webinars Write Career Resources & Articles Contribute your knowledge and tips about building a career in the geosciences by writing content for GSA’s career resources and articles. Learn more Write for GSA’s Blog Share your experience to a wide audience via Speaking of Geoscience, GSA’s official blog. Blog articles can address a variety of topics, such as developments in geoscience policy, successful strategies with geoscience education or communication, contributions to diversity in the geosciences, or your participation in GSA leadership roles or programs. Learn more Recruit New Talent Take advantage of GSA’s many opportunities to recruit students and employees, such as the Geoscience Job Board, ads in GSA Today and GSA Connection, and various venues at GSA Connects, like the Campus Connection, GeoCareers Day, and the Resource and Innovation Center. Job Board and Advertising Contact: Ann Crawford at advertising@geosociety.org Campus Connection and Resource and Innovation Center Contact: William Cox at wcox@geosociety.org GeoCareers Day Contact: Jen Nocerino at jnocerino@geosociety.org Learn more Create an EarthCache Help the public get outdoors to learn about geoscience firsthand by developing an EarthCache site that provides them with basic geological knowledge and challenges them to answer questions based on their own observations. Get started with EarthCache

Advance Geoscience Discovery and Innovation

Present Your Research Share your latest research by giving an oral or poster presentation at GSA Connects or GSA Section meetings. Explore events Propose a Technical, Topical, or Special Session Present your evidence-based knowledge to a large international audience by organizing and chairing a session at a GSA meeting. Explore events Propose a Penrose Conference or Thompson Field Forum Organize a small, interdisciplinary event that brings together various earth-science communities both within and beyond GSA. Penrose Conferences stimulate and enhance individual and collaborative research and accelerate the advance of science by the interactions and development of new ideas. Thompson Field Forums capture the essence of exciting discoveries or controversial topics via forays into the field for on the spot discussions of a particular geologic feature or area. Learn about Penrose Conferences Learn about Thompson Field Forums Publish Your Research Disseminate your research to a wide audience through GSA’s highly respected publications, including journals like Geology and GSA Bulletin, GSA Today (GSA’s open-access science and news magazine), books, special papers, field guides, memoirs, and more. Learn more Become an Editor or Reviewer Facilitate the publication of new geoscience discoveries by serving as an editor or reviewer for GSA’s peer-reviewed journals and books. Find opportunities

What We Do

...

Cpe

Geological Society of America

Center for Professional Excellence (CPE)

The GSA Center for Professional Excellence supports the growth and excellence of geoscientists throughout their career trajectory.

Sign up for News Explore Positions

GeoCorps participant in cave with large stalactites hanging from ceiling in the background

CPE Resources & Opportunities

Funding

Fund your research, travel, studies, and fieldwork.

Find scholarships, research grants, and travel grants for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Learn More

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting fieldwork on a glacier

Funding Opportunities

* indicates GSA membership required

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting geoscience research in the field by helicopter

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting geoscience research in the lab

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting geoscience research in the field with mountains and lake in background

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting geoscience research fieldwork by boat

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient conducting geoscience research fieldwork with equipment in wetlands

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting geoscience research fieldwork in 4-wheelers across barren landscape

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting geoscience research fieldwork on large rock outcrop with angled layers of rock

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient presenting geoscience research at GSA meeting

Photo of GSA meeting attendees examining rocks along coastline

Learning Opportunities

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient conducting fieldwork on boat

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting applied geologic mapping and field methods in red desert

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient conducting research in a cave

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting research in the lab on rock core samples

Photo of students at career workshop at GSA section meeting

Photo of students at career mentor lunch at GSA Section meeting

Group Photo of Field Trip attendees in front of large rock outcrop at GSA Section meeting field trip in Connecticut

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient conducting research in the lab

Photo of student presenting research poster at a GSA Connects meeting

Career-Building Experiences

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient conducting labwork

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient conducting fieldwork holding rock up to the sky on a rocky shoreline

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient conducting fieldwork in a stream with mountains in the background

Photo of researcher presenting poster at GSA Section meeting

Photo of student volunteers at a GSA Section meeting

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting fieldwork laying down examining a rock close up

Photo of students at a Career Mentor Lunch at a GSA Section Meeting

Photo of GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipients conducting fieldwork with dog

Photo of students and early career professionals posing outside of conference center at GSA meeting

Networking and Mentoring Opportunities

All of these opportunities are open to students and early career professionals unless otherwise specified. * indicates GSA membership required to participate † indicates an event that only occurs at GSA Section Meetings

Photo of GSA graduate student research grant recipient conducting geoscience research in the lab on rock core samples

Photo of GSA graduate student research grant recipients conducting geoscience research in the field on a ladder with mountains in the background

Photo of GSA graduate student research grant recipient conducting geoscience research in the field looking at rock while climbing a mountain

Photo of GSA graduate student research grant recipient conducting geoscience research in the field in red desert

Photo of students and early career professionals at GSA meeting event

Photo of GSA meeting attendee presenting research poster at GSA meeting

Photo of students posing with ribbons at GSA Connects meeting

Group Photo of Travel Grant and other international award recipients at GSA Connects meeting

Leadership Opportunities

* indicates GSA membership required to participate

Stay Updated on CPE Programs

Sign up for GSA newsletters for updates on funding, career-building, networking, mentorship, & leadership opportunities.

Consider supporting GSA's programs with a donation to the GSA Foundation.

Subscribe to e-News Donate