The Department is proposing a new major in Earth and Planetary Sciences, subject to review and approval in the 2025-2026 year. If approved, students will be able to complete this major and graduate with it starting in Fall 2026.
Choose one track.
- Geology Track
Geology is the study of the Earth, and in particular its history, structure, and the processes that have molded our planet and its biosphere. The Geology track involves a range of fundamental to applied topics: from the origin of continents and ocean basins, earthquakes and volcanoes, variations in global climate, and how these physical changes impact the evolution of life. All of these planetary processes are viewed through the prism of “deep time,” a perspective unique to geologists and one that distinguishes geology from most of the other physical sciences. A significant component of geology is oriented toward the interaction between humans and the Earth. This aspect includes the study of resources such as minerals, oil, and water; identification and mitigation of Earth hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions; identification and mitigation of polluted ground water; land use planning; and the study of ancient and modern climate change.
The Geology Track meets all of the course requirements for becoming a California professionally licensed geologist. Graduates with an Earth & Planetary Sciences major in the Geology Track will be prepared for work in a range of public and private sector careers, including 1) Natural Hazards, Engineering and Construction work on identifying and mitigating the human impacts of hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, flooding, sea level rise, and volcanism; 2) Environmental & Earth Sciences work on sustainable resource management, land use and environmental impact statements, contaminant remediation, or groundwater resource management, flow, and contamination; 3) Natural Resources and Energy work on carbon sequestration, mining critical minerals, or oil and gas resources; 4) Government and Public Sector work on public policy and regulations related to land use or resource management or as a park ranger or conservation officer; 5) Education and Outreach as a science teacher or work in a museum, science center, or park. Because geology integrates knowledge across all areas of natural science at local to global scales and all of Earth history, students develop skills in systems-level thinking that prepare them well for other fields such as data analysis, science communication, or environmental law.
STA 100: Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences (4)
EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)
EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)
EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)
EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)
EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)
EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)
EPS 103: Field Geology (4)
EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)
EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)
EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)
EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)
Upper Division Electives. Choose 18 additional units. Students preparing for licensure as a professional geologist should take classes from at least two different categories. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, CHE, ECI, ENG, ESM, ESP, HYD, MAT, PHY, or SSC, must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 54 units
Total: 89-91 units
1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite
2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites
- Geohazards Track
Geohazards focuses on the dangerous side of the intersection of people and the active Earth. The Geohazards track is rooted in a core set of Earth Science courses: Earth System Science, Earth Materials, Structural Geology, and Sediments and Strata. These courses provide the foundations to understand how, where, and when many geohazards arise: climate and climate change, coastal processes, flooding, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. A fifth core course, Natural Hazards and Risk, ties these geohazards together in a framework for assessing human impact (risk). Students then dive deeper with four elective courses focused on various aspects of geohazards, risk and related policy. Two of these courses provide depth in one hazard focus area, and the other two provide breadth in any area of geohazards. One of the depth courses may be from a different department, providing students with the opportunity to bridge disciplines.
The Geohazards Track is designed for flexibility and creativity while preparing students for impactful careers in industry or the public sector. Students emerge from this major as Earth scientists specialized as hazard analysts and problem-solvers. They may tailor coursework to meet the requirements for professional geology licensure, focus on geophysics courses as a foundation for a professional geophysicist career, or delve into climate change and environmental policy in preparation for a career in the government, environmental remediation and liability, or the insurance industry.
EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)
EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)
EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)
EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)
EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)
EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)
EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)
EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)
EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)
Specialization. Take two courses within a single specialization (6-8 units).
Volcanic Hazards Specialization:
Earthquake Hazards Specialization:
Landslide Hazards Specialization:
Coastal Hazards Specialization:
Climate Hazards Specialization:
Breadth. Take two additional courses (6-10 units).
EPS 103: Field Geology (4)
EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)
EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)
EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)
EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)
EPS 116: Oceanography (3)
EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)
EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)
EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)
EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)
EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)
EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)
EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)
EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry1 (3)
EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers1 (3)
EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography1 (4)
EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)
EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)
EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)
EPS 164: Seismology (3)
EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4)
EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)
EPS 175: Advanced Field Geology (3)
EPS 176: Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)
ABT/LDA/LED 150: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)
ECI 171: Soil Mechanics6 (4)
ESM 120: Global Environmental Interactions1 (4)
ESM 186: Environmental Remote Sensing (5)
ESP 165: Climate Policy1 (3)
ESP 166: Ocean & Coastal Policy1 (3)
Additional Electives. Take 4-10 additional elective units from the specialization, breath, or electives lists to bring the depth subject matter total to 45 units. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, CHE, ECI, ENG, ESM, ESP, HYD, MAT, PHY, or SSC must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.
EPS 103: Field Geology (4)
EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)
EPS 107: Paleobiology (3)
EPS 107L: Paleobiology Laboratory (2)
EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)
EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)
EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)
EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)
EPS 116: Oceanography (3)
EPS 120: Origins: From the Big Bang to Today (3)
EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)
EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)
EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)
EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)
EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)
EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork1 (1)
EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)
EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)
EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)
EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (3)
EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)
EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)
EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)
EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry1 (3)
EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers1 (3)
EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography1 (4)
EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)
EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography1 (5)
EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)
EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)
EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)
EPS 164: Seismology (3)
EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4)
EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)
EPS 175: Advanced Field Geology (3)
EPS 176: Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)
EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)
EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)
EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)
EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)
ABT/LDA/LED 150: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4)
ESM 120: Global Environmental Interactions1 (4)
ESM 186: Environmental Remote Sensing (5)
ESP 165: Climate Policy1 (3)
ESP 166: Ocean & Coastal Policy1 (3)
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 45 units
Total: 91-95 units
1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite
- Geochemistry Track
Unlock the secrets of Earth's chemistry in our Geochemistry track. This innovative program combines geology and chemistry to explore how elements move and track changes across Earth's systems. From studying climate records and water resources to investigating volcanic hazards and planetary evolution, you'll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge analytical techniques. Courses build on a foundation of general chemistry, mathematics, and physics to develop an understanding of how elemental abundances and isotopic compositions are influenced by and provide information about geological processes. The course sequence begins with core courses in Physical Geology, Earth System Science and Earth Materials that provide geological context for courses in geochemistry, including inorganic geochemistry and isotope geochemistry, which then provide the basis for specialization in different areas of geochemistry (e.g., low-temperature or environmental geochemistry, high-temperature geochemistry applied to igneous systems or planetary geology). Whether you're aiming for graduate school, government research, environmental consulting, or science education, this versatile degree opens doors to diverse career paths in earth and environmental sciences.
A degree in Geochemistry leads to career options in managing and sustainably developing our natural resources, including critical minerals, land, soil, water, agricultural and ecosystem assets, and protecting our environment through monitoring pollution and environmental change or nuclear forensics. Potential career paths include (but are not limited to) environmental science, geotechnical consulting, environmental litigation support, technical staff at national laboratories or universities, science teaching, environmental policy, and water quality.
EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)
EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)
EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)
EPS 132: Introductory Inorganic Geochemistry (3)
EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry (3)
EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers (3)
Upper Division Electives. Choose 24 units. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 or EPS 184/EDU or EPS 186 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. EPS 103, 105, 108, 110A, 110B, and/or 110C are recommended. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, CHE, ECH, ENG, ETX, HYD, MAT, or PHY must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.
EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)
EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)
EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)
EPS 103: Field Geology (4)
EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes (4)
EPS 107: Paleobiology (3)
EPS 107L: Paleobiology Laboratory (2)
EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)
EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)
EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)
EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structures & Neotectonics (4)
EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)
EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)
EPS 116: Oceanography (3)
EPS 120: Origins: From the Big Bang to Today (3)
EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)
EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)
EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)
EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams1 (4)
EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork1 (1)
EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)
EPS 138: Introductory Volcanology (4)
EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)
EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (3)
EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)
EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)
EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)
EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography (4)
EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)
EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography1 (5)
EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)
EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)
EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)
EPS 163: Planetary Geology & Geophysics (3)
EPS 164: Seismology (3)
EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4)
EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)
EPS 175: Advanced Field Geology (3)
EPS 176 Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry (5)
EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)
EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)
EPS/EDU 184: Effective Teaching Strategies (2)
EPS 186: Facilitating Learning in STEM Classrooms (1)
EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)
EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)
ETX 180: Chemistry & Toxicology of Metals2 (4)
CHE 100: Environmental Water Chemistry (3)
HYD 134: Aqueous Geochemistry (5)
HYD 144: Groundwater Hydrology (4)
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 42 units
Total: 89-93 units
1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite
2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites
- Geophysics Track
Geophysics focuses on understanding the physical processes at work within and on the surface of the Earth and the use of geophysical tools to investigate the Earth’s interior. The Geophysics track builds on a strong foundation in calculus, physics, chemistry, an introduction to programming and three core courses in Physical Geology, Earth System Science and Earth Materials. These courses establish a broader context for geophysical studies including a range of applications in which geophysical tools can be applied. The core courses are followed by geophysics specific coursework in which students study the dynamics of Earth’s interior including the physics of plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanism, the risks these phenomena pose for humans, the tools for investigating the unseen subsurface and their practical application, and methods for modeling physical processes in a range of Earth systems. The geophysics track emphasizes applying fundamental physical principles within complex real-world systems and addressing the ambiguity inherent in studying systems hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. Students build a strong foundation in data analysis, modeling and programming as part of the degree program.
Career opportunities vary widely across fields including geophysical data acquisition and analysis, climate modelling, engineering geology, hydrology, mining, environmental consulting, hazard mitigation, natural resource exploration, agriculture, and others. It is predicted that this field will grow because of the need for energy, construction, mitigating effects of weather-related hazards, the protection of the environment and the responsible management of natural resources. Geophysicists work in a variety of settings; some conduct field studies, while others work primarily on a computer conducting analysis of data. In addition to a focus on the interior structure of the solid earth, geophysicists could be studying the interior features of the ocean, using satellite data to monitor surficial process such as groundwater extraction or landslides, or using geophysical data to study the processes of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides. Some industries that hire geophysicists are: Engineering, Construction and Environmental Consulting (geophysical site investigation and characterization); State, City or Federal Government (e.g., Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Emergency planning); Research & Development (National labs, academic institutions, etc, geophysical data acquisition and analysis); Oil & Gas Exploration, Production or Services (geophysical data acquisition and analysis); Gas Extraction, Injection and Storage Industry (this includes natural gas, but also CO2 sequestration; geophysical data acquisition and analysis). A degree in Geophysics can also serve as a bridge to many other career opportunities, such as: archaeologist, geophysical/civil/environmental consultant, data scientist, environmental inspector, environmental planner, gas field operations manager, geodesist, geophysical technician, geophysicist, glaciologist, groundwater technologist, hydrogeologist, hydrographic surveyor, hydrologist, laboratory technician, materials scientist, metallurgical technician, mining technician, oil well drilling manager, petroleum technician, petrophysicist, quality assurance inspector, scientific research manager, scientific writer, seismologist, teacher/professor, volcanologist. Some career options will require further education or training to acquire the field-specific knowledge.
EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)
EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)
EPS 102: Structural Geology (3)
EPS 102L: Structural Geology Lab (2)
EPS 161: Geophysical Field Methods (4)
EPS 162: Geodynamics (4)
EPS 164: Seismology (3)
Upper Division Electives. Choose 24 units. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. EPS 131, 137, 150B, 160, 163, 165, and/or 166 are recommended. Students interested in earth materials should consider EPS 103, 105, 109, 109L, 110A, 110B, and/or 110C. Students interested in hydrology should consider HYD 144, ESM 100, and/or ABT/LDA/LED 150. Students interested in data science and machine learning should consider ECS 111. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, ECI, ENG, HYD, MAT, or PHY, must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.
EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)
EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)
EPS 103: Field Geology (4)
EPS 105: Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes1 (4)
EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)
EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Laboratory (2)
EPS 110A: Summer Field Geology: Structure and Neotectonics1 (4)
EPS 110B: Summer Field Geology: Igneous Rocks (4)
EPS 110C: Summer Field Geology: Special Projects (4)
EPS 131: Risk, Natural Hazards, and Related Phenomena (3)
EPS 137: Earthquake Geology (3)
EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)
EPS 160: Introduction to Modeling for Earth & Environmental Science (4)
EPS 163: Planetary Geology & Geophysics (3)
EPS 165: AI and Machine Learning for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4)
EPS 166: Crustal Deformation (4)
EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)
EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)
EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)
EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)
ABT/LDA/LED 150: Intro to Geographical Information Systems (4)
ECS 111: Applied Machine Learning for Non-Majors4 (4)
ESM 100: Introduction to Water Science (4)
HYD 144: Groundwater Hydrology (4)
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 47 units
Total: 89-93 units
1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite
4this course requires 4 additional lower division prerequisites
- Climate Past and Present Track
The Climate Past and Present Track focuses on understanding Earth as a system, including past and present climate and environmental change. The major begins with a base in Earth System Science and Earth Materials and then extends into four areas of electives: ocean, land, atmosphere, and biosphere. Students will study the dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere, including the mechanisms behind weather patterns, climate variability, and long-term climate trends. Courses also cover natural hazards and how Earth's physical changes, such as glaciation and tectonics, influence long-term climate patterns. The program explores how oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate and how the Earth’s hydrographic systems are impacted by climate change. Courses highlight the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and environments past and present. The track emphasizes data analysis so that students build a strong foundation in data science, modeling, and/or programming as part of the degree. Finally, these courses emphasize communicating complex scientific concepts to the public, policymakers, and stakeholders to find and implement climate change solutions.
Graduates with an Earth & Planetary Sciences major Climate Change Track will be prepared for various public and private sector careers. Some potential career paths include: environmental consulting, climate policy and management positions, K-12 educator/environmental educator, climate and carbon mitigation consulting, scientific research, and nonprofit agencies. This major is ideal for students who like to approach environmental problems as part of the Earth system, appreciate the importance of past climate change in understanding today’s challenges, have strong analytical skills, and want to contribute to tackling climate change in many different ways.
Recommended
EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (3)
EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (2)
EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (4)
ESP 106: Environmental Data Science1 (4)
Upper Division Electives. Choose 32 units. At least one course must be taken from each topical area (ocean, land, atmosphere, and biology). Remaining units can be taken as additional courses from the topical area list or the additional elective options. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. EPS 131, 132, 133, 134, and/or 148 are recommended. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, ATM, ECI, ESM, ESP, EVE, HYD, or WFC must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 45 units
Total: 92-96 units
1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite
2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites
3this course requires 3 additional prerequisites
- Geobiology and Paleobiology Track
The Geobiology and Paleobiology track prepares students for a variety of careers at the intersection of biology and Earth sciences. Students are trained in understanding chemical and physical interactions between life and Earth today and in the past. They will also gain an understanding of the history of life and its interdependence with changing Earth climate. Graduates will be able to interpret the geologic time scale, identify major fossil organisms through time, and utilize digital databases to analyze data. Finally, graduates will understand the causes of extinctions and mass extinctions, and identify major groups of organisms, both extinct and extant, in a tree of life.
Graduates with a Geobiology and Paleobiology track in EPS BS will be prepared for various careers, including environmental consultancy, paleontological consultancy, museum careers, government jobs in life-environment interactions and paleontology (such as positions in national and state parks), and graduate school related to these fields.
STA 100: Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences (4)
STA 101: Advanced Applied Statistics for the Biological Sciences (4)
EPS 100: Earth Systems Science (4)
EPS 100L: Earth Systems Science Lab (1)
EPS 101: Earth Materials & Geochemistry (3)
EPS 107: Paleobiology (3)
EPS 107L: Paleobiology Lab (2)
EPS 108: Paleoclimatology (3)
EPS 141: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates (3)
EPS 141L: Evolutionary History of Vertebrates Laboratory (1)
EPS 142: Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (3)
EPS 144: Historical Ecology (3)
Upper Division Electives. Choose 12 units. No more than 3 units of upper division elective credit for courses EPS 116-EPS 120. Only one of EPS/EDU 181 or EPS/EDU 183 may be applied toward elective credit. No more than 6 units of upper division elective credit for EPS 192 or EPS 194A-EPS 194B or EPS 194HA-EPS 194HB. Upper division courses in related subjects, including but not limited to EPS, ABT/LDA/LED, BIO, BIS, EVE, ESM, ESP, ETX, or EVE must be approved in advance by the major faculty advisor.
EPS 101L: Earth Materials & Geochemistry Lab (2)
EPS 109: Sediments and Strata (3)
EPS 109L: Sediments and Strata Lab (2)
EPS 116: Oceanography (3)
EPS 133: Environmental Geochemistry (3)
EPS 134: Environmental Geology & Land Use Planning (3)
EPS 136: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams (4)
EPS 136F: Ecogeomorphology of Rivers & Streams Fieldwork (1)
EPS 140: Introduction to Geomorphology and Earth-Surface Processes (4)
EPS 146: Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry & Cosmochemistry1 (3)
EPS 148: Isotopes & Geochemical Tracers1 (3)
EPS/ESP 150A: Physical & Chemical Oceanography1 (4)
EPS 150B: Geological Oceanography (4)
EPS 150C: Biological Oceanography (5)
EPS/EDU 181: Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle School (3)
EPS/EDU 183: Teaching High School Mathematics & Science (3)
EPS 192: Internship for Upper Division Students (1-12)
EPS 194A-194B: Senior Thesis (6) or EPS 194HA-194HB: Senior Honors Thesis (6)
ESM 120: Global Environmental Interactions (4)
ESP 100: General Ecology
ESP 110: Principles of Environmental Science (4)
ETX 101: Principles of Environmental Toxicology2 (4)
EVE 101: Introduction to Ecology2 (4)
EVE 104: Community Ecology3 (4)
EVE 112: Biology of Invertebrates (3)
EVE 115: Marine Ecology (4)
EVE 117: Plant Ecology2 (4)
EVE 120: Global Change Ecology3 (3)
HYD 134: Aqueous Geochemistry (5)
SSC 100: Principles of Soil Science (5)
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal: 46 units
Total: 90-95 units
1this course requires 1 additional prerequisite
2this course requires 2 additional prerequisites
3this course requires 3 additional prerequisites
A.B. degrees are designed to prepare students for science-adjacent career paths in which familiarity with earth science, the scientific method and complexity of real world data provide student with critical knowledge, context and perspective. Examples of such career paths include law, policy, city/county/state planning, insurance, emergency management, social work and education.
Choose one track.
