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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 (at least one must be a laboratory course)
Select from: BIOLOGY 100-101, 102-103, 280, or PLNTSOIL 105.
2. Two courses in Calculus: MATH 127-128 or 131-132 or 135-136
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:
GEO-SCI 100* Global Environmental Change
GEO-SCI 101 The Earth (includes the lab component Experiencing Geology)
GEO-SCI 103* Introductory Oceanography
GEO-SCI 105* Dynamic Earth

*Students not taking GEO-SCI 101 must also enroll in GEO-SCI 131 Experiencing Geology (1 Credit)

2. 102 The Human Landscape
3. 231 Introduction to Field Methods
4. 201 History of the Earth
5. 354 Climatology
6. One of the following:
415 Introduction to Geochemistry
458 Climate Change
615  Organic and Biogeochemistry
597I Isotope Geochemistry
517 Sedimentary Geochemistry
519 Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
7. Select one of the following courses:
591C Climate Modeling
587 Hydrogeology
426 Remote Sensing
568 Introduction to GIS
595D Oceanography (4 Credits)

C. Earth Systems Electives (12 credits)
Students should select at least 12 credits from a list of approved courses in Geosciences (including a second course from B-3, 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. The list is available from the department. Courses should broaden knowledge in one or more areas of Earth Systems and must be selected in consultation with an adviser.