Earth Sciences

Earth science applies the basic sciences of physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics to understanding processes that have shaped the earth through the last 4.5 billion years. Here at the UO, we are well positioned to study these processes using the natural laboratory found in Oregon, where subduction drives volcanoes and earthquakes, which uplift mountains and inspire surface processes of erosion and deposition. These in turn have in turn fostered an unparalleled fossil record of the age of mammals.

Carol Paty, CAS space physicist

What's Beneath Europa's Icy Surface?

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft is on its way to Jupiter's moon. What happens next? Discover how CAS space physicist Carol Paty helped develop key instruments aboard the craft, and learn more about the mission.

What You Can Do with a Degree in Earth Sciences

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth sciences are qualified for careers as laboratory technicians, professional geologists, geophysicists, or geochemists. They can find employment in a wide range of fields, including:

  • Resource management
  • Geotechnical and environmental consulting
  • Urban and rural planning
  • Petroleum and mining industries
  • State and federal agencies such as the USGS, USFS, NOAA, EPA, and DEQ
  • Teaching in K-12 schools
Hazard Resilient equipments

Community Resilience

The Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) and the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT) use science and technology to improve statewide resilience to geologic hazards. OHAZ is building an advanced sensor network that detects natural disasters as they emerge, while CRESCENT works with scientists and communities from across the country to improve our understanding of the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Our Degree Programs

Earth science at the University of Oregon includes the study of geology, oceanography, paleontology, and geophysics. These studies are inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on the knowledge and techniques of other physical and natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

A faculty member interacting with students in the field in Struble, Yachats

Learn from Experts in the Field

Our faculty conduct numerous individual and collaborative studies that take advantage of our proximity to the Cascade volcanoes and the tectonic complexity of the western North American margin. Many of our projects are funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the US Geological Survey.

Student climbing a hill

Get Real-world Experience

Students in the Department of Earth Sciences can get their hands dirty through a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, including multiple two-week field camps each summer term. With the field camp, students gain practical experience applying their Earth science knowledge in the field while exploring wildlands in Oregon and the broader American West.

Scholarships and Funding

Undergraduate students can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the UO. The Department of Earth Sciences awards annual scholarships to undergraduate students and offers graduate employee appointments to help fund graduate students while pursuing their degree.

Undergraduate Scholarships
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Students in the Department of Earth Sciences can seek support from our faculty advisors or from the academic and career advisors in Tykeson Hall. Tykeson advisors can assist with career and course planning; answer questions about core education requirements as well as university policies and procedures; and connect students with other resources for success.

Undergraduate Advising
Support for Graduate Students

Earth Science News and Events

EARTH SCIENCES - Is there a habitable environment beneath the Jupiter moon Europa’s icy crust? CAS Professor Carol Paty is helping NASA find out. Paty, a comparative planetologist who builds numerical 3D models, was brought on board several of the scientific teams to help determine how the Europa Clipper's instruments could best answer key questions about the subsurface ocean: How deep is it? How salty is it? How far beneath the ice does it lie?
In UO’s materials characterization labs, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what can be observed through a microscope. Equipped with some of the most powerful electron microscopes on the West Coast, CAMCOR is arguably the University of Oregon’s most comprehensive and cutting-edge core science facility. Funded by the Office of Research and Innovation, it was the first institute in North America to install a multi-ion source plasma-focused ion beam, which can analyze and mill materials at the nanometer level.
EARTH SCIENCES - Participants from a range of science and engineering organizations gathered at the University of Oregon to explore the science of tsunami resilience at a workshop hosted by the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT) Nov. 7 and 8. The multidisciplinary workshop brought together expert speakers from academia, government agencies and industry to share their perspectives on tsunami risk assessment planning, mitigation and preparedness.

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Department of History Coffee Hour
Jan21
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 21 McKenzie Hall
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together
Jan21
gradCONNECT: Disabled and Neurodivergent Graduate Student Time Together Jan 21 Susan Campbell Hall
How to: Interview (Workshop)
Jan21
How to: Interview (Workshop) Jan 21 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Writing in East Asia Info Session
Jan21
Writing in East Asia Info Session Jan 21 McKenzie Hall
How to Use Career Resources on Campus
Jan21
How to Use Career Resources on Campus Jan 21
Wine Chat: “Accompaniment with Im/migrant Communities”
Jan21
Wine Chat: “Accompaniment with Im/migrant Communities” Jan 21 Capitello Wines
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Jan22
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Jan 22 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Catalysts for Impact Information Session
Jan23
Catalysts for Impact Information Session Jan 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
UO Women in Economics: Goals & Gossip
Jan23
UO Women in Economics: Goals & Gossip Jan 23 Anstett Hall
Career Tour-Bioscience & Beyond!
Jan24
Career Tour-Bioscience & Beyond! Jan 24 Ford Alumni Center

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