Program Overview

Earth and Planetary Science

Earth and Planetary Science is a highly interdisciplinary concentration employing principles from physics, chemistry, and biology to understand processes on and in the Earth and other planetary bodies.

Degree Type

The program offers two degree types: A.B. and Sc.B.

Department

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences is responsible for this concentration.

CIP Code

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for this program is 40.0601.

Related Academic Areas

• Applied Mathematics
• Biomed
• Chemistry
• Geological Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics

Program Description

Concentrators can study Earth and planetary interiors, including the formation of rocks and minerals, movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates, and mountain building and volcanism. Other areas emphasize surface processes, such as coastal erosion, formation of water resources, and desertification. This concentration is a good choice for students who seek a broad scientific understanding of the processes that shape the physical world around us.

Both A.B. and Sc.B. degrees are offered, requiring 12 and 19 courses, respectively. These degrees build skills in critical thinking, data analysis and modeling, finding solutions to complex problems, and written and oral communication. The department provides a highly collaborative learning environment that emphasizes process-oriented, hands-on approaches in the classroom, in labs, and on field trips. There are many opportunities for students to do paid research during the summer or academic year.

Concentration Requirements

• List of requirements
• Honors website

Student Goals

Students in this concentration will:

• Understand fundamental processes that shaped the Earth, the other planets, and their environments through time
• Study chemical, physical, and biological interactions in the climate system and the solid Earth, including those that lead to natural hazards, climate change, and environmental concerns
• Apply multidisciplinary scientific approaches to finding solutions to societal problems
• Develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, theory and modeling, computing, speaking and writing, and teamwork and leadership
• Build a strong foundation for diverse careers

Alumni Pathways

After graduation, concentrators find success in a wide variety of career options. These span research and management positions in:

• The private sector (e.g., environmental consulting, sustainable energy and climate solutions, technology)
• Government agencies (e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Departments of Energy and State)
• Non-governmental organizations and non-profits, many of which are devoted to the environment Concentrators also excel as faculty in universities and colleges, and in education at all levels, including work in museums. Concentrators are highly sought after by top-notch graduate programs across the nation, including programs in Earth, environmental and planetary science, and also science policy, law, journalism, and education.