華盛頓州立大學

Earth science is geology and more; it provides foundational knowledge of how our planet works and applies knowledge of the natural process of global change to understanding our current environmental conditions.

The earth sciences major at WSU prepares you with the skills to engage in some of our most challenging problems, such as responsible exploration for and extraction and use of natural resources, understanding consequences of global climate change, and reducing human suffering and property loss from natural hazards.

In the integrated curriculum of WSU’s School of the Environment, you’ll explore and understand the Earth’s physical and environmental processes. Along the way, you’ll have unbeatable opportunities to experience the latest science and technology. With WSU professors as your mentors, you can even conduct your own research.

Strengths of the program

Get hands-on experience and learn from leading researchers in science labs and teaching programs like these:

GeoAnalytical Laboratory
Astrobiology Laboratory
Computational Geodynamic Laboratory

Work closely with professors who are nationally recognized experts in:

Geochemistry of large volcanic eruptions
Exploration of chemical weathering on ecology, hydrology, geochemistry, and microbiology
Hydrothermal systems
Magma genesis in volcanic settings and rifting events
Astrobiology
Chemical and physical evolution of the Earth

Study at numerous nearby field sites such as the Columbia River Basalt plateau, Idaho and Wallowa batholiths, Cascade volcanoes, and local groundwater sources.

Benefit from an integrated School of the Environment curriculum- you learn to consider Earth Science from all angles.

Expand your experience through the department's close ties with the Department of Geology at University of Idaho.

Core courses and curriculum

As an Earth sciences major, you take core courses in:

Earth’s history and evolution
Mineralogy and crystallography
Sedimentary and igneous petrology
Water and environmental geology
Geologic structures
Field geology (field camp)

In addition to a solid grounding in the fundamentals of geology, you will have plenty of opportunities to dive deeper into the topics that interest you most. A few of the topics you could focus on:

Global climate change
Geophysics or geochemistry
Astrobiology
Volcanology
Economic geology
Groundwater

Suggested preparation for incoming students

Students who become Earth science majors often enjoy:

Science and math, especially physical and Earth sciences
Hands-on learning
Working outdoors
Applying analytical techniques to solving practical problems
Making a difference in the real world

High school preparation should emphasize biological/physical sciences, mathematics, communication, reading/reasoning, and computer literacy.

Sample career options in Earth sciences
An Earth sciences degree prepares you for jobs such as these in the public sector and in private industry.

Exploration geoscientist
Petroleum or mining geologist
Geochemist
Geophysicist
Paleontologist
Climatologist
Hydrologist
Mineralogist
Planetary geologist
Volcanologist
Oceanographer