We offer three undergraduate degrees: a Bachelors of Science in Geology, a B.S. in Environmental Geology, and a Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Studies. These programs provide the fundamental background needed for numerous careers within the Earth Sciences as well as the fundamental thinking skills needed to succeed in a wide range of pursuits. Our undergraduates go on to Master's and Ph.D. programs at top universities, pursue graduate degrees in law or business, or immediately start careers in non-profit organizations, the private sector, or various government organizations. We think that the breadth and depth of our programs prepare undergraduates for an exceptionally wide range of post-graduate options. Overall, our goal is to give you an interesting and valuable degree and to see you launched into your next phase of life as smoothly and happily as possible.
The Earth Sciences cover the Earth's entire physical makeup and its history since its origin four and a half billion years ago. The main goal is to understand the principal processes that govern the physical and chemical behavior of the planet and how these processes affect and are affected by life on this planet. General questions include the following:
The purpose of our three Earth science majors is to give you the background necessary to intelligently address questions of fundamental interest and importance to science and to society.
The Earth Sciences combine chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and plain old basic science. The Earth Sciences are thus perfect for anyone who loves both science and variety. The vast range of disciplines within the Earth Sciences (click here for examples replete with photographs) means that you can pursue classes that play more to your interests and strengths. If you like math and physics, you can take several courses in geophysics. If you don't like math and physics, there are plenty of classes that require only arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. If you think that you might want to go into environmental law, there are plenty of courses dealing with important environmental issues. If you are thinking of going on to graduate school, you might want to seek out a faculty advisor to work on a research project that allows you to use of some of our sophisticated research equipment. There is a lot of room for people with different interests and natural strengths to pursue a major within our three degree programs.
The Department of Geology and Planetary Science is unusual among geoscience programs nationwide in that it includes a planetary science focus and both B.S. and B.A. environmental programs. The planetary focus represents an exceptional opportunity to understand the processes that helped give the Earth the features that are unique among the planets of the Solar System, including its proven ability to sustain life. The environmental programs provide excellent opportunities to relate good science to critical questions affecting the life and well-being of people here and around the planet. Our three majors thus offer the opportunity for you to address questions that range from the largest, most profound questions of science (Is there Life on other planets?) to the most practical and intimate quality-of-life concerns of humankind.
The basic goals of an undergraduate education are to make you an expert in rapidly learning new material, in thinking clearly and meaningfully about this new material, and in communicating your understanding to others. To meet these goals, universities offer degree programs that focus on topics that are inherently interesting. This is because if you like a subject, it motivates the deep and difficult thinking required to fully understand the subject. It is precisely this effort that creates and hones thinking skills. The more diverse the subjects within the major, the wider the range of problem-solving skills that you acquire.
Our three majors can each lead to jobs within the Earth and environmental sciences. However, they are also excellent programs in the classic liberal arts tradition: you can spend 4 years learning about Earth and environmental sciences and then start a career that, while outside of the Earth sciences, fully utilizes your newly developed skills. As a bonus, your deep understanding of how the Earth works provides an enhanced life-long appreciation of the natural world and our relation to it.
Overall, we are proud of our undergraduate programs, we constantly seek to improve them, and, if you like the Earth and environmental sciences, we think you will acquire an exceptionally wide range of skills to give you an edge in whatever career path you take.
The Geology major gives you the broadest and deepest view into how the Earth works. You will learn the history of the Earth (evolution of life, evolution of the oceans and atmosphere, mass extinctions, changing climate, drifting continents...); how to read the sedimentary record (for example, to map the course of ancient river systems, work out sea-level changes, use sedimentary successions to understand tectonic subsidence and uplift); how to tell geologic time; how to identify and use minerals and their chemistry to understand how volcanic systems work and what processes led to the emplacement of huge bodies of granite deep within the continental crust; and how to look at rocks that have been compressed, ripped apart, and/or heated in order to unravel what happens when continents collide or divide. Click on the following links for specific program details:
Degree requirements and related links
Photographs from field trips (via the Geology Club Web Page)
The Environmental Geology major is similar to the Geology major, but provides a greater focus on those classes that more directly prepare you for a career as an environmental geologist. Speciallized classes include Groundwater Geology; Environmental Geochemistry; Environmental Science, Eithcs, and Public Policy; and various classes in remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In addition, you take less math and physics and add biology to the co-requirements. As is the case with the Geology major, the Environmental Geology major provides a wide range of problem-solving skills with wide applicability in the real world plus the opportunity to take classes that develop writing and oral communications skills.
Degree requirements and related links
Photographs from field trips (via the Geology Club Web Page)
The Environmental Studies program is a broad multidisciplinary program that is meant to address the highly complex settings in which environmental policy decisions are made. First, there has to be a clear understanding of the basic science: classes in geology, chemistry, and biological sciences provide this foundation. Then, there has to be an understanding of the economic, legal, and political landscape in which each decision has to be made: classes in economics, law, and risk assessment help build this foundation. Finally, there is a host of electives that enable particular interests to be developed within the broad outlines of the program.
While this program does not result in a B.S., it does contain provide a substantial grounding in science. In addition, this program provides extensive exposure to the thinking and communications skills that are directly associated with politics, economics, and public policy. This interdisciplinary training gives you an exceptionally broad range of skills to offer potential employers both in and out of the Earth Sciences.
The link below leads to an extensive set of web resources related to the Environmental Studies program, including description of the program, degree requirements, and possible careers within the field.
The Environmental Studies Program
Undergraduate Degree Requirements/Careers | Geology Home Page | University Home Page