Majors

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has four majors:

  • BS in Earth, environmental, and planetary science
  • BA in geological sciences
  • BA in environmental studies
  • BS in geomechanics

Geological Majors

Students have the option of getting a BA in geological sciences or a BS in Earth, environmental, and planetary science with a concentration in geosciences.

BS Versus BA

The BS program is designed to give students the background for graduate work and professional careers in earth and environmental sciences, and in those areas in which the earth sciences overlap with the life sciences or with engineering.

The BA program is designed to allow more flexibility in program design. This degree is pursued not only by students preparing for graduate work in the earth sciences but also by students interested in law, management, or teaching.

Environmental Majors

We offer two majors in the environmental field, a BS in Earth, environmental, and planetary science with a concentration in climate and environmental sciences and a BA in environmental studies.

BS Versus BA

The BS program is designed to give students the background for graduate work and professional careers in earth and environmental sciences, and in those areas in which the earth sciences overlap with the life sciences or with engineering.

The BA program is designed to allow more flexibility in program design. It is pursued not only by students preparing for graduate work in the earth sciences but also by students interested in law, management, or teaching.

Geomechanics

A four-year program in geomechanics is offered jointly with the Department of Mechanical Engineering for students interested in the application of mechanics to problems associated with the atmosphere, rivers, lakes and oceans, and the earth.