The Department of Earth and Planetary Science explores the origin, evolution, structure and dynamics of the Earth and other planetary bodies. This is an emerging and interdisciplinary field, drawing on geology, geophysics, geochemistry, oceanography, and the atmospheric, environmental and planetary sciences. We offer core training in specialized topics, as well as integrative courses that provide a broad overview.

You can navigate through information about declaring an EPS Major, Minors and Honors using the side panel menus, or link directly and read about one of our six tracks:

Atmospheric Science	Geophysics
Environmental Earth Science	Marine Science
Geology	Planetary Science

A large percentage of our students go on to graduate school and are highly sought after by the best universities because of the strength and quality of our curriculum. Our undergraduates obtain professional employment with consulting companies and government agencies, often working on crucial environmental problems. They work for companies responsible for finding and providing earth resources. Commonly students pursue careers outside the earth sciences, in teaching, law, or business, having found the core training we provided in writing, oral communication, and quantitative analysis strong foundation.



This major combines the best aspects of science: collaborative projects, outdoor exploration, rigorous theory, and practical application. Here, you can seek out the hidden properties of the earth's core, explore the dynamics, morphology and restoration of rivers, learn to better understand the earth's dramatic and sometimes catastrophic volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, or reach out to see more of our solar system. This major can offer you the challenge and excitement of working in a top ranked department with the resources of a large university and the advantages of a small, friendly department. Our department has an exceptionally high faculty to student ratio, with 32 faculty members, about 80 undergraduate majors and 55 graduate students. You have the opportunity here to interact with other students and you will have easy access to faculty and resources. As an undergraduate, you will find extensive opportunities for field work and lab research.