What Are Professional Learning Pathways?
- GSA is introducing Professional Learning Pathways at 2026 Section Meetings—curated tracks that organize sessions, short courses, and field experiences into coherent, workforce-aligned themes.
- In addition to attending talks and posters, you can now follow a structured pathway to building knowledge & skills in high-demand areas of geoscience.
Participants can earn:
- Verified Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- A digital badge recognizing pathway completion
- Documented recognition of your structured learning
- For select pathways, progress that may contribute toward future GSA Certificate opportunities
These pathways are designed to complement—not replace—professional licensure and certification. They provide documented continuing education and competency-focused professional development.
How It Works
- Register for a GSA Section Meeting, GSA Connects, and other qualifying GSA event(s).
- Participate in sessions, field trips, and/or short courses aligned with a designated Professional Learning Pathway and complete the required learning components.
- Earn CEUs, receive a digital badge, and obtain documentation of pathway completion.
- For eligible tracks, continue building toward a GSA Certificate through additional programming at future GSA meetings and events.
Pathways offer stackable CEUs across events, allowing you to build your professional learning over time and qualify for higher achievement.
Submitting Pathway Activities
After participating in sessions, field trips, or short courses aligned with a Professional Learning Pathway at an event, you can submit your activities to document your progress and verify your CEUs.
To earn pathway recognition, complete at least 1.0 CEU (10 contact hours) of aligned programming, including participation across at least two program formats (for example, a technical session plus a field trip or short course). Prepare to provide:
- a list of the sessions, courses, and field trips you completed within the pathway;
- a brief reflection on the technical sessions you attended; and
- your total CEUs earned.
Submit your pathway activities within 30 days of the meeting. Your submission allows GSA to verify CEUs, confirm pathway recognition at the meeting, and track progress toward future GSA Certificate opportunities where available.
Once submitted, the GSA team will review your materials and notify you of your pathway progress within 7–10 business days.
Current Pathway Themes
- Geologic Mapping & Digital Field Methods
- Critical Minerals
- Geoheritage
Participation in these pathways may serve as early progress toward future advanced credentialing opportunities at GSA Connects and beyond. Track options were determined by surveying GSA division/section leaders and workforce-related studies identifying potential professional development needs in the geosciences
Go to your Section Meeting's website to learn about additional, meeting-specific track options and how to complete pathways and obtain documentation:
Why It Matters
Professional Learning Pathways:
- strengthen applied skill development;
- provide structured continuing education;
- align with employer-relevant competencies;
- and support continuing education reporting for licensure, where applicable.
Whether you are early-career, mid-career, or maintaining licensure, these pathways offer a clear, organized way to document your professional development.
Professional Ecosystem
Professional Learning Pathways and GSA Certificates recognize structured continuing education and applied learning. They are distinct from professional licensure and certification programs offered by GSA’s Associated Societies.
Visit the Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG®) for more information on licensure as a Professional Geologist (PG), and the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) for information about professional certification such as Certified Professional Geologist (CPG).
Questions? Contact us at education@geosociety.org.