Earth and Space Sciences at U of W
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UW-ESS Bachelor of Science
Earth and Space Sciences - Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students interested in coursework in geology and geophysics, and a career path in graduate studies or the private sector where field and technology experiences and problem-solving skills will be an important asset.  

Note: the Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for undergraduates who wish to study earth sciences as a background for other careers, such as teaching, science journalism, environmental law or policy.


B.S. Requirements

To complete the B.S., students take both the Core Courses and one of the Option Areas listed below (Standard, Biology, Physics or Environmental).

Core Courses (35 Credits)
  • Supporting Science (20 credits)
    • CHEM 142
    • MATH 124, 125
    • PHYS 114/117 or 121 (Physics Option majors must take PHYS 121)
  • ESS Required Courses (15 credits)
    Complete three of the following:
    • ESS 205 (counts as core course ONLY for Physics Option majors)
    • ESS 211
    • ESS 212
    • ESS 213

ESS Option Areas (55 credits)

    NEW!
  • Environmental Option: PDF or Word
    • Supporting Science (10 credits):
      • CHEM 152 or 220
      • STAT 311 or QSCI 381
    • ESS Required Courses (35-37 credits):
      • ESS 201
      • One of ESS 311, 312, 313, 314
      • ESS 326
      • Two of ESS 315, 421, 426, 427, 455, 456, 459
      • ESS 400
    • ESS Electives (10 credits):
      • ESS courses numbered 401-488 or from approved list of 400-level courses outside of ESS
      • ESS 311, 312, 313, 314 not taken as a required course above
  • Standard Option: PDF or Word
    • Supporting Science (13-15 credits):
      • MATH 126
      • PHYS 115/118 or 122
      • One of CHEM 152; MATH 307, 308; PHYS 116/119 or 123; STAT 311
    • ESS Required Courses (22 credits):
      • Two of ESS 311, 312, 313, 314
      • ESS 400
    • ESS Electives (18-20 credits):
      • ESS courses numbered 401-488
      • ESS 311, 312, 313, 314 not taken as a required course above
  • Biology Option: PDF or Word
    • Supporting Science (21 credits):
      • CHEM 152, 162 or CHEM 155, 165
      • BIOL 180, 200 or two of BIOL 201, 202, 203
    • ESS Required Courses (22 credits):
      • Two of ESS 311, 312, 313, 314
      • ESS 400
    • ESS Electives (12 credits):
      • ESS courses numbered 401-488
      • ESS 311, 312, 313, 314 not taken as a required course above
  • Physics Option: PDF or Word
    • Supporting Science (32-35 credits):
      • MATH 126, 308, 324 or MATH 136, 324
      • PHYS 122, 123, 227, 228, 321, 322
    • ESS Required Courses (5 credits):
      • One of ESS 311, 312, 313, 314
    • ESS Electives (15-18 credits):
      • ESS courses numbered 401-488
      • ESS 311, 312, 313, 314 not taken as a required course above

NOTE: All courses COUNTED TOWARD THE MAJOR must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Apply to do a major in ESS
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Earth and Space Sciences
( Geology, Geophysics, Geological Sciences)
University of Washington
Johnson Hall 070 •  Box 351310
4000 15th Avenue NE • Seattle, WA  98195-1310
Phone 206-543-1190  •  Fax 206-543-0489 
• Site Info: webmaster@ess.washington.edu
• ESS Advising: advising@ess.washington.edu