B.A. in Earth and Planetary Sciences

The undergraduate program has programs of study for majors, joint majors, and minors in earth and planetary sciences (E&PS) and in global environmental change and sustainability (GECS). The E&PS major focuses on the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the Earth and the other planets. It is designed primarily for scientists who wish to have careers researching the science of the Earth and planets, although it is also suitable for students planning careers in the health professions.The interdisciplinary, interdepartmental GECS major and minor introduce students to the science of the Earth and its living and nonliving systems, and to how humans interact with these systems. GECS is also solution-focused, demonstrating how humans can use powerful tools, such as policy and communication, to help those systems. The goals are to advance awareness of the magnitude and consequences of these issues and to train the next generation of problem-solvers to address the effects of global environmental change.