Overview

Earth and environmental sciences (EES) integrates chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and computer sciences into the study of Earth and planetary systems, including atmospheric, aquatic, terrestrial, geologic, and climate systems. Global systems studies probe the processes that form and modify planets, from the earliest planetary origins to today, and use that knowledge for future forecasting.

The mission of the EES department integrates scientific research and teaching of the highest order to better understand our planet, its climate, and other planetary bodies, and to prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world.

This multi-disciplinary, systems-based approach forms the basis for our undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Department Goals

As a department, we strive to:

  • Advance fundamental scientific understanding of the Earth system in the past, present, and future
  • Communicate this understanding to our students and the general public
  • Train the next generation of earth and environmental scientists
  • Maintain a high level of excellence in research and teaching
  • Act with integrity in all our of scholarly endeavors
  • Create a supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment in the classroom, laboratory, and field