Earth and Planetary Sciences is the study of the origins and evolution of the Earth and other planets in our Solar System and beyond. While there is considerable overlap with the Geology major, the Earth and Planetary Sciences major focuses more on the interconnectedness of the biosphere, oceans, and climate to promote sustainability, understand our changing Earth, and recognize our place in the Universe.
What makes Earth and Planetary Sciences unique at UCR?
Earth and Planetary Sciences is a small major at UCR, meaning that classes are also small. You will quickly get to know many of the faculty and your fellow students well. Students who are interested in gaining lab or research experience will have little difficulty in doing so.
In general, what are Earth and Planetary Sciences professors investigating?
- How have Earth’s climate, atmosphere, and oceans changed through time and how will they change into the future?
- How is the evolution of life tied to Earth’s climate history?
- How many and how diverse are exoplanets in our Universe?
- Where else could life exist in our Universe?
Why Earth and Planetary Sciences at UCR?
A key strength of the Earth and Planetary Sciences major at UCR is the wide range of potential paths that a student can take. We offer concentrations in Geosystems, Climate Change, Geobiology, Geophysics and Planetary Science, meaning that you can tailor your degree program to your particular interests.
Earth and Planetary Sciences research at UCR
- UCR Earth and Planetary Sciences professors have expertise in diverse subjects
- They study Earth’s climate extremes, the role of dust affecting climate, stability of ocean currents, and contribute to climate models used by the international community
- They examine the origin of life, its evolution, past ecosystems, and the conditions where life may exist
- Their study areas span the known Universe
What industries can I get into with an Earth and Planetary Sciences degree?
- Our goal is that Earth and Planetary Sciences majors graduate with a science-based view of the planet that can inform their future lives, along with technical skills, and skills in critical thinking and evaluation of evidence
- Such knowledge and skills can be applied to many different professions or academic disciplines