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Undergraduate majors in Earth Sciences

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences currently offers three undergraduate degree programs: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Geology, Earth Sciences, and Geophysics. In addition, we offer Minor options in Geology, Geophysics and Global Climate Change.

Earth Science degrees cover all scientific studies related to the planet Earth, including the study of Earth composition, structure, processes, and history. The degree programs include the study of the organisms that inhabit our planet, how natural hazards affect society, and the past, present and future of climate change. Our B.S. programs in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences place substantial emphasis on preparing students for graduate study and a wide range of rewarding careers. The B.A. degree, on the other hand, is designed for students who wish to teach general science or earth science at a secondary school level, and combines training in general science and pedagogy with concentrated study in general geology.

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Undergraduate Advising

 

Undergraduate Activities

Undergraduates in our department enjoy all the benefits of a small department and the resources of a large university. For example, we have a department-wide BBQ every Friday in our courtyard where undergraduates can mingle with their peers, graduate students, staff, and faculty alike. Some activities our students participate in include:


Geology Student Organization (GSO), a student-led geology club that holds biweekly meetings and organizes field trips. Connect with them on Facebook:

Follow GSO


Geoscience Education Outreach Program (GEOP), our department's efforts to reach out to the general public and our local community through tours of our museum or labs, by showcasing hands-on earth science at community events, or through visits to local schools.


UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), where students can spend a semester or a year at one of over 30 different universities globally, paying their normal UC tuition while earning credit for classes that count towards their UCR graduation.

 

Field Trips

Faculty and students in the Earth and Planetary Sciences department take many field trips all over southern California and beyond for courses in all sub-disciplines throughout the year.

 

Undergraduate Courses

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences offers a variety of classes in geology, climate science, geophysics, geochemistry and paleontology. A full and up-to-date list can be obtained from the UCR Catalog.

How to Apply

Visit the Undergraduate Admissions website:

Undergraduate Application

For more information, please visit CNAS Undergraduate Academic Advising Center.