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Undergraduate Program

Students in the Department of Earth Sciences learn about the minerals, rocks and waters that make up the earth, and the processes that shape the earth from deep in its interior to the surface. Earth science applies the basic sciences of physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics to understanding processes that have shaped the earth throughout the 4.5 billion years of geologic time. Earth scientists combine field investigations with laboratory experiments and theoretical studies to understand the physical, chemical and biological processes that govern the behavior and interactions of complex earth systems. Some areas of earth science focus on natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides and volcanic eruptions that affect humans. Other subdisciplines investigate how humans alter the earth’s environments, where we pollute rivers and ground water, cause rapid erosion and landslides, attempt to re-engineer rivers and shorelines, and alter the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and global climate. Earth science research also includes study of the deep earth to understand processes that drive the motions of tectonic plates and generate the earth’s magnetic field.

Visit the UO Catalog for a list of faculty members, degree options, and course offerings.

Undergraduate students study the ash from Mount Mazama on a class field trip.
Students who major in Earth Sciences choose one of four subject areas, or tracks, to complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree. The tracks (Geology, Environmental Geoscience, Geophysics, and Paleontology) provide students with a focused curriculum in their chosen subject area. Additional information on each of the degree tracks can be found here.

Career Opportunities are plentiful as natural resources become more scarce and the need for scientists trained in the earth sciences increases. Additional information on potential career paths is available here.

Undergraduate Advisors

Questions about the undergraduate program can be directed to the undergraduate advisors.

Head Advisor & Upper-division Advisor:
Dr. Mark Reed
Office: 225D Cascade Hall
Lower-division Advisor:
Dr. Marli Miller
Office: 105 Volcanology Hall

College Preparation

High school students planning to major in geological sciences should take courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, geography, and science (physics, chemistry, biology, or earth science).
Students who transfer to the UO to major in geological science after two years of college work elsewhere should, ideally, have completed a year each of general chemistry, general physics, calculus and introductory geology with laboratory.


Scholarship Opportunities


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