Overview
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences currently offers three undergraduate degree programs: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Geology, Earth Sciences, and Geophysics. In addition, we offer Minor options in Geology, Geophysics and Global Climate Change.
Earth Science degrees cover all scientific studies related to the planet Earth, including the study of Earth composition, structure, processes, and history.
The degree programs include the study of the organisms that inhabit our planet, how natural hazards affect society, and the past, present and future of climate change. Our B.S. programs in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences place substantial emphasis on preparing students for graduate study and a wide range of rewarding careers. The B.A. degree, on the other hand, is designed for students who wish to teach general science or earth science at a secondary school level, and combines training in general science and pedagogy with concentrated study in general geology.
Earth and Planetary Sciences Advising
Click on the drop-menus below for more information and documents related to the Earth Sciences majors.
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Change of Major Criteria for Earth & Planetary Sciences
To declare a major, student must be in good academic standing (quarter and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 and above) with no grades lower than a C- in any attempted major requirement. If upper-division courses have been taken, a minimum upper-division GPA of a 2.0 is required. Must be able to complete the degree within 216 units. *AP/IB units or transfer units earned prior to graduating high school are excluded when determining unit range for change of major criteria and 216 unit maximum. Freshman (up to 44.9 units)
Sophomore (45 - 89.9 units)
Junior (90 - 134.9 units)
Senior (135 units & above)
Completion of the following courses:
- One of GEO 001, 002, or 003
- CHEM001A & CHEM01LA
- MATH009A
Completion of the following courses
- Two of GEO 001, 002, or 003
- CHEM001C & CHEM01LC
- MATH009B
Completion of the following courses:
- CHEM001C & CHEM01LC
- MATH009C
- PHYS040A or PHYS002A & PHYS02LA
- GEO 002, 003
- GEO115 or GEO122
Completion of the following courses:
- CHEM001C & CHEM01LC
- MATH009C
- PHYS040C or PHYS002C & PHYS02LC
- BIOL002 or BIOL005A & BIOL05LA
- STAT010 or STAT155
- GEO 001, 003
- GEO115 and GEO122 or GEO101
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Additional Information about the Earth & Planetary Science Major
Earth and Planetary Sciences Additional Documents
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Course Planning Materials for Earth & Planetary Science
Earth and Planetary Sciences Degree Summary Sheets
- Earth and Planetary Sciences Major - Climate Change Option
- Earth and Planetary Sciences Major - Geobiology Option
- Earth and Planetary Sciences Major - Geophysics Option
- Earth and Planetary Sciences Major - Geosystems Option
- Geology Major
- Geophysics Major
Earth and Planetary Sciences Sample Four-Year Course Plans
Earth and Planetary Sciences Schedule of Course Offerings
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Minors in Earth & Planetary Sciences
To declare a minor, students must: be in good academic standing (quarter and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 and above); complete 2 upper-division courses required for the minor with a C or better; and be able to complete both your major and minor within the 216 unit maximum. *AP/IB units or transfer units earned prior to graduating high school are excluded when determining 216 unit maximum. Minors must be declared no later than 2 quarters prior to a student's expected graduation term. A minimum of 16 upper-division units must be unique to the minor; additional upper-division units beyond those unique 16 may also be used toward major requirements if applicable. Earth & Planetary Science Minors requirements
Students who wish to Minor in Geology, Geophysics, Global Climate Change or Planetary Sciences must complete 20-28 units of organized upper-division courses in Geosciences. A minimum of 16 of these units must be unique to the minor and cannot be used to satisfy major requirements. To satisfy prerequisites, additional preparatory coursework in Earth and Planetary Sciences and other sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) may be required.
Before submitting a petition for a Minor to the college, students interested in pursuing a Minor in Geology or Geophysics or Global Climate Change or Planetary Sciences must consult with the undergraduate faculty advisor in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
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Minor in Geology
- GEO 001, GEO 115; plus 15-23 additional upper-division Geosciences units.
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Minor in Geophysics
- GEO 001; GEO 140; plus 16-24 additional units taken from GEO 115, GEO 116, GEO 132, GEO 144, GEO 145, and GEO 190.
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Minor in Global Climate Change
- GEO 001 or GEO 002; GEO 011; GEO 160; plus 16-24 additional upper-division Geosciences units.
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Minor in Planetary Sciences
- GEO 001 or GEO 002 or GEO 006 or GEO 009 or GEO 011; GEO 013 or GEO 080; GEO 180, GEO 181, GEO 182, and GEO 184; plus 4-5 units in any upper-division Geosciences course.
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Earth and Planetary Sciences Academic Advisor
CNAS Professional Academic Advisors provide students with individual guidance throughout their academic careers at UCR and help them achieve realistic academic goals. Professional Academic Advisors can assist you with declaring or changing your major or minor, course repeats, the process for taking courses outside of UCR, taking a leave from UCR, and questions about withdrawing or readmitting to UCR.
Earth and Planetary Sciences Lead Faculty Advisor
A Lead Faculty Advisor is assigned for each major. Faculty advisors are available to assist students with guidance regarding graduate or professional school, opportunities to participate in research, independent study, or internships. Faculty advisors also may provide students with advice and mentoring regarding career goals.
