Academics
Earth System Science (ESS) is an interdisciplinary department rooted in the natural sciences, with researchers studying the ocean, land, atmosphere, cryosphere, and the interactions between these domains. Our focal point is large-scale processes of global significance. We focus not only on fundamental climate- and sustainability-related science but also on societal causes of, adaptation to, and mitigation solutions of climate change.
Our ESS department is composed of diverse and passionate scientists, with expertise in different disciplines, who work together to understand and solve the climate crisis.
We are a vibrant department where students have the opportunity to directly interact with faculty, researchers, and students, and become an active member of our research groups.
Small class sizes and a large number of electives allow students to build a strong peer-network and tailor your course work to your personal interests, to pursue our honors program or to double major. Hands-on training provides you with valuable skills (e.g., GIS, field methods, data analysis, programing) for wherever your career may take you.
We encourage students to further enrich your college experience and our ESS department: Participate or organize ESS club events (e.g., the annual “Industry Night” employment fair), build community and gain teaching experience as a peer-mentor or learning assistant, explore the world with UCI’s study abroad program, or gain work experience as an intern at the white house, congress or advocacy groups (e.g., UCI’s CEB, UC’s DC programs).
ESS offers 2 Majors, 1 Minor, 1 Certificate, and 1 PhD program that train students for careers in the geosciences.
Undergraduate ESS Majors
The B.A. in Environmental Science and Policy focuses on environmental problem-solving by integrating natural science with socioeconomic factors and public policy and prepares students for careers in environmental policy, resource management, law, urban and environmental planning, and related fields. This program is offered in partnership with the Department of Urban Policy and Public Planning.
The B.S. in Earth System Science is for students pursuing STEM-intensive careers. It emphasizes an understanding of the consequences of climate change and human activities on the functioning of the Earth system, with opportunities for specialization in atmospheric science, oceanography, or hydrology and terrestrial ecosystems. Central to the B.S. major is an engagement with relevant scientific literature, utilization of quantitative and experimental methods to collect and analyze data, and interpretation of results within the context of scientific theory.
Students in both programs can also earn a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Geosciences Education via the UCI CalTeach program.
Both ESS programs are popular with students seeking to double major.
Undergraduate Minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Our Minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences offers students in the natural sciences and engineering a path to explore interdisciplinary problems and broaden their studies.
Environmental Changemakers Certificate
The Environmental Changemakers Certificate allows students from all majors on campus to educate themselves on the issues of climate change and sustainability, with a series of classes from the Schools of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Social Ecology.
Ph.D. in Earth System Science
The ESS Ph.D. program engages students in global research on climate and environmental changes, offering training in experimental methods, remote sensing, data analysis, modeling, and science communication to prepare for STEM careers. Students gain a perspective of the Earth as a coupled system involving the atmosphere, ocean, land, cryosphere, and humanity, and develop critical research skills.
Learn the science behind major environmental issues like climate change, ocean acidification, land degradation, and air quality. Develop the STEM, laboratory, and computational skills needed for a career in environmental science.
Study environmental impacts on society, and how human actions and policy can enhance global sustainability. Prepare for a career at the science/policy interface in government, nonprofit organizations, and private industry.
Do research with world experts at the forefront of global environmental change. Develop the skills to advance our understanding of Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land systems and enable solutions to major environmental issues.
Industry
- Environmental consulting
- Spatial data analyst
State/Federal Agency
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Air quality
- Water management
Research
- National laboratories
- Universities
Policy, regulations, NGOs
- Economics
- Public policy
- Activism
- Environemntal advocacy group
Alumni
Contact Us
Student Affairs Manager
studentaffairs@ess.uci.edu
(949) 824-1604
Vice Chair, Undergraduate Studies
ugradvicechair@ess.uci.edu
(949) 824-7320