Career Opportunities

Professional Development Opportunities

CoreKids K-12 Outreach Program

CoreKids’ fundamental mission is to increase awareness and understanding of Earth, its processes and its natural resources, and a basic tenet is to provide programming to schools and non-profit organizations without charge. Visits to classrooms by CoreKids teaching staff, coupled with school field trips to MGRRE and the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, have enriched the classroom earth science experience of over 60,000 southwestern Michigan K-12 students to date, many of whom come from at-risk populations. Undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences who are interested in gaining teaching experience and inspiring future generations of geoscientists are encouraged to contact program director, Dr. Peter Voice.

The WMU Signature Program

The WMU Signature Program offers undergraduate and graduate students personalized Pathways to become learning-centered, discovery-driven and globally engaged. Examples of Pathways students can choose to pursue are diversity and inclusion, entrepreneurship, global engagement, health and wellness, leadership, pedagogy, social justice and sustainability. Pathways will be student initiated and develop within the program organically based on student interest. Support for this development will be provided by the Signature staff person who will connect with students and assist them in declaring their path, form cohorts of students with similar interests and coordinate additional support with campus and community "experts" for each Pathway. After successful completion of the Signature program, the Signature pathway will appear on students' academic transcripts and diplomas.

Though there are rolling admissions, students are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Students interested in participating can contact Kelly Reed and review the program's FAQ sheet.

The WMU Graduate Center for Research and Retention

Each year, the Graduate Center for Research and Retention offers a wide variety of events and workshops. Recurring workshop topics include seminars on graduate student research and travel grants, strategies for navigating the dissertation and grant writing, among many others.

Internship and Fellowship Opportunities

  • American Museum of Natural History's Master of Arts in Teaching fellowship
    The Master of Arts in Teaching program at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City is looking for graduates with Earth and space science backgrounds (geology, mineralogy, paleontology, oceanography, astronomy, and more) who want to make a difference in the world of STEM education. This teaching fellowship combines coursework, mentoring, and real-world experience to prepare Earth and space science graduates for a rewarding career as middle and high school teachers. All degree candidates will receive free tuition and books and a $30,000 living stipend. In return, candidates commit to teaching in a high-need school in New York State for four years. With a sole focus on preparing new Earth science teachers, the MAT program is a full-time, 15-month master's program that takes place at the museum and in urban partner schools. They seek a student body with diverse life and career experience, and the application is open to all candidates meeting the eligibility requirements.

  • National Research Council associateship programs

    The National Research Council of the National Academies sponsors a number of awards for graduate, postdoctoral and senior researchers at participating federal laboratories and affiliated institutions. These awards include generous stipends ranging from $45,000 - $80,000 per year for recent Ph.D. recipients, and higher for additional experience. Graduate entry level stipends begin at $30,000. These awards provide the opportunity for recipients to do independent research in some of the best-equipped and staffed laboratories in the U.S.  Research opportunities are open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and for some of the laboratories, foreign nationals. Detailed program information, including online applications, instructions on how to apply and a list of participating laboratories, are available on the NRC Research Associateship Programs website. There are four annual review cycles: November (Opens Sept. 1; Closes Nov. 1); February (Opens Dec. 1; Closes Feb. 1); May (Opens March 1; Closes May 1); August (Opens June 1; Closes August 1). Applicants should contact prospective Advisor(s) at the lab(s) prior to the application deadline to discuss their research interests and funding opportunities.

  • Michigan Sea Grant fellowships
    Michigan Sea Grant is announcing four graduate fellowships. These paid 1 or 2 year fellowships are targeted towards students with a strong interest in marine and Great Lakes issues, including natural resources science, policy and law. Applications are currently being accepted online and are due in January or February, depending on the opportunity. Graduate students with a wide range of backgrounds (e.g., natural or physical sciences, policy, law) and a strong interest in Great Lakes, coastal, aquatic or marine issues are encouraged to apply. Programs require a full-time commitment, and fellows typically graduate from their degree program before embarking on the fellowship. Occasionally, students take time away from their graduate program while pursuing these fellowships. These fellowships come with financial support. See each posting for more details.

  • AGI's Geoscience Policy and Critical Issues Program fellowships
    With support from key member societies, AGI's Geoscience Policy and Critical Issues Programs offer multiple internships for young and early-career geoscientists and two fellowships each year. These opportunities provide unique experiences to combine geoscience information and research with data analysis, outreach and policy. Application deadlines vary according to opportunity.
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
    The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in STEM fields and in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM and STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, and veterans to apply. NSF also encourages undergraduate seniors to apply.

  • The American Geosciences Institute compiles internship and fellowship opportunities throughout the year.
  • Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship

Employment Opportunities

Check out the department's Facebook page for regular updates on current job opportunities across the country.