Choose the track in earth and planetary sciences

Students in the earth and planetary sciences track study the composition, construction, history, and processes that shape our planet and those in our solar system, especially over deep time, leveraging their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and geology to understand the distribution of earth materials, the timing of major Earth events, and the evolution of landscapes and life, as well as how changes in Earth processes might impact, or be impacted by, humans.

These endeavors help them to find and manage resources, such as oil, groundwater, and critical minerals, and protect us from geologic hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

Students in this track can go on to graduate school, work for the exploration or environmental arms of major energy companies, as an interpreter or ranger at a national park, monitoring wastewater storage in bedrock for the U.S. Geologic Survey, or as a consultant on subway construction for an engineering company.