The Major

The purpose of the Earth Systems degree is to provide students with a holistic understanding of the Earth’s geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere, as well as the impact of human activities on these systems. The degree is suitable for students interested in the interface of earth science and related fields, and in issues related to the long-term management and sustainability of the planet.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree

A. Supporting Sciences

(8 courses listed here or their approved equivalents; 29-32 credits)

  1. Two courses in Biology
    Select from: BIOLOGY 103, 108, 109, 110, 280, ENVIRSCI 101, GEOL 107, 190BH, STOCKSCH 100, 103, 106, 108, 115, 120.
  2. Two courses in Calculus: MATH 127-128 or 131-132
  3. Two courses in Physics: PHYSICS 131-132 or 151-152
  4. Two courses in General Chemistry: CHEM 111-112

B. Earth Systems Core Courses

(8 courses listed here or their approved equivalents; 28-29 credits)

  1. One of the following four introductory Geoscience courses:
    • GEOL 101 The Earth (includes the lab component Experiencing Geology)
    • GEOL 103* Introductory Oceanography
    • GEOL 105* Dynamic Earth
    • GEOG 110* Global Environmental Change
      *Students not taking GEOL 101 must also enroll in GEOL 131 Experiencing Geology (1 Credit)
  2. GEOG 102 Intro to Human Geography
  3. GEOL 201 History of the Earth
  4. GEOL 231 Introduction to Field Methods
  5. GEOG 354 Climatology
  6. One of the following:
    • 420 GEOG Political Ecology
    • 458 GEOG Climate Change
  7. One of the following:
    • GEOL 415 Introduction to Geochemistry
    • GEOSCI 597I Isotope Geochemistry
    • GEOSCI 517 Sedimentary Geochemistry
    • GEOSCI 519 Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
    • GEOSCI 615 Organic and Biogeochemistry
  8. Select one of the following courses:
    • GEOSCI 591C Climate Modeling
    • GEOSCI 587 Hydrogeology
    • GEOG 426 Remote Sensing
    • GEOG 468 GIS and Spatial Analysis
    • GEOSCI 595D Physical Oceanography (4 Credits)

C. Earth Systems Electives (12 credits)

Students should select at least 12 credits of additional upper-division (300 and higher) courses in Geosciences (possibly including a second course from B-6, B-7, and B-8 above), Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Microbiology, Natural Resources Conservation, Physics, Plant and Soil Sciences, Political Science, Resource Economics, Resource Planning, Statistics, and Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation. Courses should broaden knowledge in one or more areas of Earth Systems and must be selected in consultation with an adviser.

D. University Requirements for Major (6 credits)

  1. Junior Year Writing Requirement: NATSCI 387 CNS Junior Writing
  2. Integrative Experience: GEOL 494LI Living on Earth, Real World Issues