Undergraduates
Earth friendlier
The undergraduate program in geosciences takes a broad view of the Earth, and helps students gain a greater understanding by studying past and present geological processes. Geoscientists study the minerals, rocks, fluids, and fossils of the Earth and investigate its physical, chemical, and biological processes, as well as recent global changes, always with an eye toward finding sustainable solutions to resource and energy challenges.
Getting outdoors!
Students experience the outdoors conducting hands-on research during field camps.
Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences offer wonderfully interdisciplinary fields of study appealing to individuals who appreciate combining office, laboratory and field-based activities.
Degrees
- Geosciences, BS is for students interested geology, geophysics and Earth system science. Students may continue their studies in geosciences, or closely related programs, in graduate school to attain a master’s or doctorate degree.
- Fast-Track MS enables exceptionally gifted undergraduate students to add master’s level courses to their undergraduate degree plans. The hours required to complete the master’s degree is reduced by the number of Fast-Track graduate hours completed.
- PhD Geosciences is for BS, MS students who wish to continue to advanced studies for research-oriented positions in industry, academia and government.
- The UTeach Dallas option may be added to either the BA or BS degree. UTeach Dallas degree plans are streamlined to allow students to complete both a rigorous bachelor’s degree and all coursework for middle or high school teacher certification in four years.
Courses
- Geosciences Courses
- Coursebook: Search all courses by semester as well as syllabi, textbook list, course evaluations and instructor CVs.
- Natural Sciences Curriculum Courses
Specific degree plans will be formulated by the undergraduate advisor in geosciences. Changing circumstances may require changes to the degree plans.
Advising
Freshmen first should visit their NS&M undergraduate advisor to declare a major as soon as possible, sorting any transfer credits, managing requirements, and troubleshooting any registration problems. As a geosciences major, Physical Geology and History of Earth and Life are the important introductory classes to take as soon as possible.
Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences is one of the few departments on campus to have a faculty advisor for undergraduate majors.
Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences majors and transfer students should visit Dr. Tom Brikowski to learn about career options and classes to take to further plans and for geology-related advice at least once a year to map out your classes, discuss career options, and keep you on the geosciences track. Students should take Rocks and Minerals (offered in Spring) as soon as possible, followed by Stratigraphy & Sedimentology.
Studying Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences at UTD
