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Earth Sciences

College of Earth, Ocean and Environment

Department of Earth Sciences

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Discover our world!

By studying the earth sciences, you will study the planet, the processes that change our landscapes, the history of life and the interactions between environment and society. You will gain the practical and in-demand skills to collect scientific data, inform policy decisions and study the environmental impacts of things like fracking, oil and natural gas extraction, renewable resources, climate change, and more. Earth science graduates are in high demand with starting salaries ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually.

AREAS OF STUDY

Earth History and Paleontology
Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology
Coastal, River, and Glacial Processes
Earth Materials and Geochemistry
Plate Tectonics
Climate Change

CAREER OPTIONS

Geoscientist
Hydrogeologist
Environmental Consultant
Exploration Geologist
Science Educator
Paleontologist
Disaster Scientist

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Geoscience
Oceanography
Geophysics
Environmental Science
Soil Science
Science Education
Environmental Law

What’s special about this program?

Earth science students will learn about the Earth in small classes, in labs, and numerous field trips, with faculty interaction and a well-developed sense of community. You are encouraged to participate in research with faculty in areas such as hydrogeology, geobiology, water science, geochemistry, and paleoclimate. You will also have many opportunities for field courses in places of geologic significance. Recent trips have been to Death Valley and the Grand Canyon! You may also be able to benefit from the Delaware Geological Survey, a science-based state agency based at UD that conducts geologic and hydrologic research, service and exploration.

Get Involved

There are many opportunities on campus for students interested in the environment, such as serving as an EnvironMentor, going on extracurricular environmental field trips, and joining registered student organizations like Students for the Environment and the Geology Club.

Sample curriculum

Courses are recommendations, but subject to change year-to year. Please refer to the UD Undergraduate Catalog for a more accurate four year plan. Students should also reach out to their academic advisor for recommendations.

FRESHMAN

ENGL 110

First-Year Writing

GEOL 107

Geology of Dynamic Earth

Mathematics requirement

First Year Seminar

CHEM 103 and CHEM 133

General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory

GEOL 110

Earth’s Evolving Systems

Foreign Language requirement

Breadth requirements

SOPHOMORE

BISC207	Introductory Biology I
GEOL202	Introduction to Earth Materials
GEOL203	Earth Surface Processes
GEOL 302	Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
	Spring Break Field Course
	Breadth requirements
	Foreign Language requirements

JUNIOR

GEOL304	Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
PHYS 201 and PHYS 221	Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics Laboratory I
GEOL305	Structural Geology and Plate Tectonics
GEOL306	Geoscience Field Methods (Capstone and DLE)
	Breadth requirements
	Elective course