Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Earth Sciences?

Enjoying small class sizes and ample opportunities for undergraduate research experiences, Earth sciences majors choose from four tracks: Geology, Environmental Geoscience, Geophysics, or Paleontology.

Students doing analysis outside

Major in Earth Sciences

Earth science is an unusually broad subject. It addresses everything from the chemical processes that make rocks and minerals to the physics behind plate tectonics and the travel of earthquake shock waves through the planet. It explores the history of the evolution of life revealed in fossils, and it probes the earth processes that affect how humans can survive on the surface of the planet. To address this breadth, the department offers four curricular tracks for a major in Earth sciences.

Our Majors:


Students working no project

Minor in Earth Sciences

An Earth sciences minor can complement a variety of degrees. Students with majors in other departments who want a minor in geological sciences can earn a minor through the Department of Earth Sciences.

Minor Requirements


UO Ducks and Earth Science student at the exhibition

Honors in Earth Sciences

Earn an honors degree in Earth sciences and gain a competitive edge in your chosen career field.


Students digging up site

Real-World Experience

Earth sciences majors can develop their skills through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, from faculty-guided research to field camps in the wildlands of Oregon and the broader American west.


Student working on machinery

What You Can Do with an Earth Sciences Degree

An Earth sciences major can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about possible careers and actual alumni jobs.


Earth Science geology club members photo

Geology Club

We encourage our majors to get involved in campus life as much as possible, and one option for UO students interested in geology is our Geology Club. Open to both Earth Sciences non-majors and majors, it’s a great place to broaden your experience, make connections, and build community!


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with an advisor and get your questions answered. 

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Explore ways to fund your studies in the Department of Earth Sciences.

Scholarships and Awards


Events

Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr22
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 22 McKenzie Hall
Public Screening and Director Talk: "Samurai in the Oregon Sky"
Apr22
Public Screening and Director Talk: "Samurai in the Oregon Sky" Apr 22 McKenzie Hall
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025
Apr23
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025 Apr 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
The Aesthetics of Interculturality in Contemporary German and African Literature
Apr23
The Aesthetics of Interculturality in Contemporary German and African Literature Apr 23 Knight Library
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then”
Apr23
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then” Apr 23 McKenzie Hall
Symposium: The Limits and Possibilities of Cross-border Latinidades & Indigeneities
Apr24
Symposium: The Limits and Possibilities of Cross-border Latinidades & Indigeneities Apr 24 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)
China Town Hall (UO): The First 100 Days - President Trump's China Policy
Apr24
China Town Hall (UO): The First 100 Days - President Trump's China Policy Apr 24 McKenzie Hall
Bob Bussel Labor History Lecture—Essential Workers: Public Employment and the Dignity of Labor
Apr24
Bob Bussel Labor History Lecture—Essential Workers: Public Employment and the Dignity of Labor Apr 24 William W. Knight Law Center
Take Back The Night
Apr24
Take Back The Night Apr 24 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies Presents: Screening of DÌDI (弟弟) and Q&A with Director Sean Wang
Apr24
Cinema Studies Presents: Screening of DÌDI (弟弟) and Q&A with Director Sean Wang Apr 24 Lawrence Hall