The membership of the Mississippi Geological Society is diverse and includes geologists and other geoscientists with backgrounds in industry, government, and academics. The Society focuses on educational outreach, continuing education, and adherence to the highest standards of professional ethics for its members. Many members also serve on the MSBRPG Board, including a past president of the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG). Since 1997, geologists practicing in Mississippi have been required to register with MSBRPG and conduct their work according to high ethical standards. For more information, visit the MSBRPG website.

High ethical standards include responsibilities established in the Mississippi Registered Professional Geologists Practice Act of 1997 (abridged):

• An RPG has an obligation to protect the public and promote public welfare.
• An RPG must report all violators to the MSBRPG.
• An RPG shall only undertake assignments they are qualified to perform.
• An RPG shall only sign documents they prepared or directly supervised.
• An RPG shall not knowingly make false, misleading, exaggerated, or unwarranted statements.
• Any public statement must include all relevant information.
• Professional opinions must clearly state assumptions and distinguish fact from projection.
• An RPG shall not permit their work to be used for unethical or illegal purposes.
• An RPG must disclose conflicts of interest.
• An RPG must protect client/employer interests and confidentiality unless public welfare is at risk.
• An RPG shall avoid conflicts of interest and disclose potential conflicts.
• An RPG shall not use undue influence or gifts to solicit work.
• An RPG shall not accept compensation without providing services (except retainers).
• An RPG shall not use employer resources for private gain.
• An RPG shall credit the work of others and avoid plagiarism.
• An RPG shall cooperate with others and encourage ethical dissemination of geological knowledge.
• An RPG shall not maliciously injure the reputation or business of others.

Source: MSBRPG website; Miss. Code Ann. §73‑63‑17(a); §73‑63‑17(k)

The MSBRPG has Statements of Understanding with Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas regarding comity. Louisiana began licensing geologists in 2014 through the LBOPG.

Petroleum geologists must adhere to high ethical standards when soliciting funds for drilling and development. All risks must be disclosed, and all material data must be provided to investors.

Intellectual property theft must be discouraged. Geoscientists must respect confidentiality agreements and credit the work of others.

The Mississippi Geological Society takes pride in mentoring students and promoting high ethical standards as part of its educational outreach.

- Steve Walkinshaw, MGS Honorary Member; MS RPG #0310, LA RPG #65

Any member may be suspended or dropped from the membership of the Society for misconduct or actions harmful to the Society; action to be taken at the discretion of the Board of Directors by a majority vote of the Board. Such charges shall be made in writing to the member, who may protest such charges within 30 days from the date which they were mailed. After the 30 days have expired, the Board of Directors may expel such member by a majority vote of the Board. The member may resign before the end of the 30 days, at which time the foregoing proceedings shall automatically terminate.