康奈爾大學

The earth sciences have never been more critical to society than they are today. Global warming, dwindling energy resources, inadequate water supplies, political strife over strategic minerals, and mega disasters threatened by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, and hurricanes: these are but a few of the headlines that appear with increasing frequency.

The program is unique in that it incorporates fundamentals of earth science with the emergence of a new and more complete approach, encompassing all components of the earth system-air, life, rock, and water-to gain a comprehensive understanding of the world as we know it. Students may choose to focus on one of a number of disciplinary specialties such as geophysics or tectonics, or develop the broad expertise needed to understand the interactions between the diverse elements of earth and life in the past, present, and future.

Earth and atmospheric sciences graduates will be able to seek careers dealing with energy, mineral and water resources, natural hazards, weather and climate forecasting, ocean resources, and a host of environmental issues through employment in academia, government and the private sector. The major also prepares students for careers in environmental management and policy, law or medicine, science journalism and K-12 science education.

Concentration Courses

Concentration courses build depth and provide the student with specific expertise in some facet of earth system science. Four concentrations are defined for the major: Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Geosciences, Geological Sciences, and Ocean Sciences. Students also have the option of designing their own concentration tailored to their interests in consultation with their advisor and upon approval of the EAS Curriculum Committee. Four concentration-appropriate courses at the 3000-level or above are required. It is expected that concentration courses be at least 3 (structured) credits; however, alternate courses can count towards the concentration course requirement with agreement of the student's academic advisor and approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.