Bachelor of Science in Earth System Science

The Earth System Science (B.S.) program provides students with a fundamental understanding of the causes and implications of climate change. This program of study prepares students for careers in science, research, or technical fields. Students learn to apply basic sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology) to understand the major processes and systems governing the Earth’s climate, biogeochemical cycles, and global change. Central to the Earth System Science (B.S.) program is an understanding of relevant scientific literature, methods to collect/analyze data, and interpret results in the context of scientific theory. Students learn to work collaboratively to understand and address complex problems and communicate scientific knowledge. Through the core course work, students learn to explain the current and projected future state of the Earth system in the context of past climate change and current human activities. Once the core course work is complete, students are encouraged to focus on a particular area within Earth System Science and to choose electives that build a coherent core of knowledge.