GEOSCIENCES (BS) at University of California San Diego

Beginning Fall 2021, the Earth Sciences major has been renamed to Geosciences and the major's curriculum has undergone some revisions. Students already in the Earth Sciences major may choose to continue following the old curriculum and will receive a degree in Earth Sciences, or they may switch into the new curriculum and receive a degree in Geosciences. Current students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss how to evaluate this decision. All new students interested in pursuing this field will only be able to choose the new Geosciences major and curriculum.

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary curricula in the geosciences. Students can do a major in geosciences or specialize in Earth Sciences within another major (i.e. Physics, Environmental Systems).

Geosciences encompass broad scientific study of the origin and evolution of the earth system and its life forms. The geosciences major embraces a wide range of topics, including the physical and chemical evolution of the planet, the evolution of life, the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, earth-surface processes, the origin and behavior of oceans and atmosphere, and the impact of humans on the environment. Geoscience investigations are increasingly quantitative and experimental, and thus most upper-division courses require a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

The geosciences curriculum takes advantage of the unique opportunities offered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Classes beyond introductory level are usually small, permitting personalized instruction. Field trips are an important part of the instructional program.

A degree in geosciences is an appropriate start for a broad range of career and graduate school opportunities in various areas, including research, government, state and federal survey jobs, environmental management, the petroleum and mining industries, consulting, ocean sciences, industrial institutions, elementary or secondary education, environmental policy, or environmental law. Program advisors and faculty can provide additional information on career and graduate school opportunities. This flexibility in the major is afforded by a wide array of restricted electives that allow students a degree of autonomy to design much of their program. Areas of concentration with restricted electives and faculty advising are provided to assist students in their optimal career-development track within the flexible curriculum.

For information on applying to UC San Diego and SIO Transfer Major Preparation see our How to Apply page. Exceptional students in the geosciences major with an interest in research are encouraged to consider the Scripps Undergraduate Honors Program. Please note that all academic advising questions (for current students) are handled via the Virtual Advisor.

GEOSCIENCES (BS) DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

All geoscience majors take a series of introductory courses, SIO 50, SIO 65, and SIO 75, and lower-division requirements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry that are essential in modern quantitative earth science disciplines, before moving on to five upper-division courses introducing basic concepts in the earth sciences, SIO 100, SIO 102, SIO 103, SIO 113, and SIO 120. Ideally lower-division course requirements and SIO 100 and SIO 102 should be taken before the junior year to provide the appropriate background for other upper-division courses.

It is strongly recommended that all geoscience majors meet regularly with the Scripps department advising staff and a faculty adviser to discuss and update curriculum choices.