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Earth Sciences B.A.

Gain a solid foundation of how the Earth system works through this flexible program meant for students whose ultimate goal is to apply their Earth sciences background to other fields.
A student proposing their symposium.
A student presenting at a symposium.

About this Program

  • Customize your curriculum through a flexible program that will allow you to double major and pursue academic interests outside the field of Earth sciences.
  • Learn from a faculty of experts with extensive experience across the breadth of Earth and environmental sciences.
  • Participate in student research that unlocks access to state-of-the-art laboratories and computing facilities for sophisticated analytical and numerical study of Earth systems.
  • Graduate with distinction in Earth sciences by maintaining a strong GPA and completing a research-based senior thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member.
  • Prepare for careers that interface with the environmental sector, such as environmental law, consulting, public communication, science journalism, eco-tourism and business.
  • Participate in an active, thriving undergraduate geosciences club, UGoGeo, to build camaraderie with fellow students and connect students with faculty.
  • Learn from a research-active faculty that brings the latest developments to life in the classroom.
  • Take advantage of department-led field trips to unique geological locales.
  • Students have the option to join the Environment and Sustainability Living Learning Community.

Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.A.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Career Path

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College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is Syracuse University’s first and largest college. As the home of the liberal arts, our internationally recognized programs provide the cornerstone of a Syracuse University education with 50+ majors in the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities and the social sciences (in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs).
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Curriculum

Take courses in introductory Earth science, chemistry, biology, environmental science data analysis, and field methods. You will build core knowledge by choosing courses across four thematic blocks: fundamentals of geology; water science; solid Earth; and ancient climates and ecosystems.

  • Explain process-based linkages among tectonics, climate and life over time as illustrated by the Earth system.
  • Understand the societal importance of Earth science.
  • Effectively synthesize published, peer-reviewed geosciences literature into written reports and/or data products.
  • Develop written and verbal communication skills required to effectively convey science to a wide range of audiences.

  • History of Earth and Life
  • Introduction to Climate Dynamics
  • Environmental Aqueous Geochemistry
  • Introduction to Earth and Environmental Data Analysis
  • Applications of GIS in Earth Sciences

Extracurricular Opportunities

Campus facilities

Heroy Geology Laboratory

Dedicated spaces on campus, including the Heroy Geology Laboratory, offer state-of-the art laboratory and computing facilities that allow for sophisticated analytical and numerical study of Earth systems.

Large image of Earth hanging in foyer of Heroy Geological Laboratory
Research

K.D. Nelson Lecture Series

Almost every week, attend a lecture by a visiting scientist as part of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences’ lecture series. This will often provide insights into the kinds of research and developments that are at the cutting edge of Earth science research.

Study abroad opportunity

Frontiers Abroad: Earth Science

Spend a semester abroad in New Zealand with either a geological and/or environmental focus. Participate in a five- to six-week field camp and take four courses at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. One of those courses will be a research methods course using data collected during your field experience.

Students sitting on a brown, grassy hill in New Zealand.

Learn more about this program

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