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

Cinema Studies Presents: "Building a Future in Filmmaking A Discussion with Recent Cinema Studies Grads"
May25
Cinema Studies Presents: "Building a Future in Filmmaking A Discussion with Recent Cinema Studies Grads" May 25
Department of History Coffee Hour
May27
Department of History Coffee Hour May 27 McKenzie Hall
The Center of the World: A Global History of the Persian Gulf
May27
The Center of the World: A Global History of the Persian Gulf May 27 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies and University Film Organization Present: UO Film Festival
May30
Cinema Studies and University Film Organization Present: UO Film Festival May 30 Lawrence Hall
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May30
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 30 Miller Theatre Complex
gradCONNECT: Trip to the Coast
May31
gradCONNECT: Trip to the Coast May 31 Oregon Coast
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May31
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 31 Miller Theatre Complex
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Jun1
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Jun 1 Miller Theatre Complex
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jun3
Department of History Coffee Hour Jun 3 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Public Housing in Postwar Japan, 1945-1960"
Jun3
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Public Housing in Postwar Japan, 1945-1960" Jun 3 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)