Earth Science [BS]

Earth Scientists integrate multiple fields of study to address the grand challenges our growing global population faces, such as climate change, coastal erosion, geological hazards, ocean acidification, sea level rise, and sustainable sources of energy. As an Earth Scientist, you can explore a variety of questions. Why is the Earth’s climate warming, how do we know, and how will this affect the Earth System? How do ocean currents influence temperature? How will sea level rise impact coastal communities? How do rivers and glaciers shape the landscapes around us? Ultimately, this degree will prepare you to address the challenges facing the Earth System in the future.

Learn

As a student in this program, you will learn to apply the scientific method in Earth Science through classroom, field, and laboratory experiences. You will investigate processes occurring above and at Earth’s surface and the connections that exist among them to produce complex planetary-scale phenomena, such as climate change, landscape evolution, ocean circulation, and weather patterns. By carefully selecting elective courses in consultation with an Earth Science Program adviser, you will gain a deeper knowledge of a specific component of the Earth System. Students primarily interested in the solid-Earth component of the Earth System should consider a major in Geology.

Opportunities

A degree in Earth Science could have you working in the environmental, natural resource, or construction fields. In these fields, you could be employed by consulting, government, industry, education, or research organizations. This degree will also prepare you for graduate studies in Earth Science or a related field. Students contemplating a professional career in Earth Science should know that training at the Master’s level or above is becoming increasingly necessary. Many graduate schools have minimum STEM requirements that may be beyond the minimum required by this program. Discuss with an Earth Science Program adviser your potential career path, and how best to achieve it.

This is a designated STEM program (see  OPT Extension ).