Undergraduate Degree Programs (loads UHM application page)
Earth scientists apply their STEM skills with expertise in computer, laboratory, field work on problems related to the solid earth and its interactions with the hydrosphere and atmosphere. Environmental scientists address issues pertaining to the Earth, ecosystems, and human activity. Earth and environmental science professionals work in industry, government agencies, or academia with client-stake holders, policy makers, engineers, developers, lawyers, and/or business owners on many issues including: clean water resources, natural hazards, natural resources, land use and site development, beach erosion and coastal resources, renewable energy, and sea level rise. See the geoscience careers page of the American Geoscience Institute.
The Department of Earth Sciences offers two Bachalaureate Degrees to prepare students for a variety of careers in Earth and Environmental Sciences. As of Fall 2023, our revised B.S. curriculum offers the option to select among 6 concentrations, and our revised B.A. degree provides flexibility to take a course spanning more topics in Earth, Atmospheric, Oceanographic, and Environmental Sciences. Students who declare their majors in Fall 2023 or later will enter the new degrees. Students who declared prior to Fall 2023 will remain in their original degree program, but may opt to switch to either new program.
Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.) in Earth Sciences
The B.S. in Earth Sciences is a rigorous science degree for careers with a variety of companies, government agencies, and/or in research, including academia.
B.S. in Earth Science, effective through Spring 2023: This degree is for those who declared their major before Fall 2023, but anyone may elect to switch to the new program below.
NEW B.S. in Earth Science, effective Fall 2023: This degree is for students who declare their major in Fall 2023 or later, or for any student who declared prior to Fall 2023 who opts to change degree paths. Students may follow the General Earth Sciences pathway, or one of 5 areas of concentration: Environmental and Hydrology, Geophysics and Tectonics, Planetary Science, Volcano Science, or Research. The program also features a research experience under the mentorship of one of our faculty members.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Earth Science
The B.A. in Environmental Earth Science has a more flexible curriculum for careers in teaching, industry or with government agencies. It includes an education track, in partnership with the College of Education to become certified to teach middle school and high school in Hawai'i.
B.A. in Environmental Earth Sciences, effective through Spring 2023: This degree is for those who declared their major before Fall 2023, but anyone may elect to switch to the new program below.
B.A. in Environmental Earth Sciences, effective Fall 2023 : This degree offers slightly more flexibility to take courses in Atmospheric, Oceanographic, and Environmental Sciences. It is for those who declared their major in Fall 2023 or later, or for any student who declared prior to Fall 2023, but opts to change degree programs.
Minor in Earth Science
The Minor is flexible and can provide either an introductory survey of Earth Sciences, or emphasize sub-discipline areas of particular interest to the student.
Support of Student Success
Earth Science B.S. and B.A. majors are supported by academic advisors within the Department of Earth Sciences, the SOEST Student Academic Services (SAS), as well as our student mentoring programs. By joining the Department within the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), you join our ohana (family) of students and faculty engaged in a rich diversity of academic and research fields of study.
Professional Transferable Skills Obtained
- Knowledge of the geological sciences and sub-disciplines in a global context and with a Hawaiian Islands focus.
- Using scientific principles, particularly the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, in the study of Earth and planetary systems.
- Critical thinking, particularly problem solving and using the scientific method. Throughout our curriculum students are asked to define problems, collect and analyze appropriate data, and apply various methodologies and techniques to solve and draw defensible conclusions relating to scientific problems.
- Global awareness and social relevance, particularly of geologic phenomena. Throughout their coursework students have multiple opportunities to examine the interaction of natural processes and humankind. Special emphasis is given to contributions of geological inquiry to social, cultural, and economic aspects of the human condition.
- Verbal and written communications. Students majoring in Earth Sciences or Environmental Earth Science are given training to develop their oral and written communication skills. This includes in-class presentations, written reports, and group projects emphasizing information exchange in a clear concise manner.
For Current Students
