BA / BS Earth and Planetary Sciences

The Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) program, formerly Geology and Geophysics, prepares students for the application of scientific principles and methods to the understanding of the Earth system and other planets. Subjects range from the history of Earth and life to present-day environmental processes and climate change, the deep interiors of Earth and other planets, tectonic plates, oceans, atmospheres, climates, land surface, natural resources, and biota. The emphasis of the curriculum is on employing basic principles from the core sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology) to further an understanding of Earth’s past and present, and addressing issues relating to its future. Students gain a broad background in the natural sciences, and select a specific concentration to focus their work on planetary or environmental phenomena of particular interest. The four B.S. degree concentrations emphasize hands-on research experience in fieldwork, in laboratories, or in theoretical analyses and computer modeling. While some graduates continue on to research, consulting, or industrial careers in Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences, the major’s broad scientific training prepares students for a wide variety of other paths, including medicine, law, public policy, and teaching. There is also a B.A. degree, which is most suitable for students who wish to study Earth and Planetary Sciences as a second major, complementing other majors in, for example, mathematics, economics, physics, biology, or engineering, and who do so in preparation for a career in law, business, government, or environmental fields.