Our undergraduate degrees provide students with core knowledge, problem-solving skills, and field and technology experiences that are important assets in any career.
ESS offers two majors and a minor, and a broad spectrum of natural world and environmentally-oriented general education courses that attract on the order of 3000 students each year.
Majors
Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences
The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students interested in coursework in geology and geophysics, and prepares them for professional scientific careers in the private sector, government agencies, NGOs, or academia, where field and technology experiences and problem-solving skills will be an important asset.
Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Sciences
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Earth and Space Sciences enables students to obtain a broad understanding of earth sciences as a background for professional careers such as science journalism, environmental law, science education, and environmental policy.
Minor in Earth and Space Sciences
The Minor in Earth and Space Sciences is designed to provide students majoring in a wide range of subjects exposure to the large variety of fields encompassed within Earth and space science, as well as maximum flexibility to explore their interests.
Exciting and Interesting Classes
ESS has fantastic, educational, and fun introductory classes to get you into earth sciences. Many of these provide hands on learning experiences and opportunities to get outside and see geology in action. Our introductory class, ESS 101, provides an introduction to the processes, materials and structures that shape Earth and emphasizes the intrinsic relationship between human societies and geologic processes, hazards and resources. Taught by the inimitable Terry Swanson, ESS 101 is taken by thousands of students every year. (Terry has won no fewer than four distinguished teaching awards!). There are a wide variety of offerings for those interested in volcanic processes, climate change, paleobiology, glaciology, seismology, and much more. For further information on ESS classes, see our course listings.
Key Learning Goals for All Undergraduate Degrees
- The ability to use quantitative approaches to critically evaluate scientific questions, particularly as they related to the environment, resources, and geologic hazards, as well as fundamental aspects of how the Earth system works, and how the Earth is affected by processes in the solar system.
- Competence in writing and oral presentations, to be able to communicate effectively with audiences at all levels from the general public, to scientific peeps, potential employers, and government agencies.
- Competence in key tools of the discipline, including basic to advanced scientific computing, laboratory techniques, and field methods.
- Experience in working both in groups and individually in challenging settings such as the field or laboratory, and the ability to identify and solve problems as they arise.
- To have knowledge and skills in one or more specific Earth and space science-related field, that will allow them to further their education in graduate programs, if desired.
Experiential Learning
Students can explore the depth and breadth of Earth and space sciences in the field, lab, and classroom. Learn more about experiential learning opportunities in ESS.
Community and Student Life
ESS Undergraduate Students are involved in a variety of social, academic, and research activities!
Other resources
If you are current student looking for degree planning forms, research opportunities, or other information, please see our Student Resources page: