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College of Arts and Sciences

Undergraduate Studies

earth and environmental sciences


  • a desire to work professionally in one of the earth sciences,
  • a desire to teach earth science in secondary schools, or
  • a general interest in the earth sciences

Geologists, geophysicists, and environmental scientists study the earth’s complex systems and the interrelations among the solid earth, the hydrosphere, the biosphere, and the atmosphere. Students trained in the earth sciences can look forward to exciting and rewarding careers, as society continues to require ever larger amounts of energy and resources in the twenty-first century, and will face increasing environmental problems and concerns. The department provides students with the skills and varied background needed to address these problems. Earth scientists are naturally interdisciplinary and use science to solve real-world problems. Today’s earth scientist can choose to work in the field in almost any area of the world, in ultramodern laboratories equipped with the latest computing equipment, or commonly in some combination of these. Whether understanding hazards and environmental challenges such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, sea level rise, and climate change, exploring for petroleum thousands of feet below the surface of the ocean, or working with governmental agencies or industry to analyze pollution problems, the earth sciences provide exciting possibilities for a rewarding career.

Overview of Environmental Geoscience Major Requirements

Overview of Geological Sciences Major Requirements

Overiew of Geogical Sciences Minor Requirements

*Click here for detailed major requirements