What is Earth Science?

Earth science is an all-embracing term for the sciences related to natural phenomena on and in the planet Earth. The term increasingly is applied to the systems approach to the scientific method as applied to problems related to global scale interactions.  There are four major disciplines in the broad area of earth sciences: geography, geology, geophysics and geodesy. These major disciplines use physics, chemistry, biology, chronology and mathematics to build a quantitative understanding of the principal areas or spheres of the Earth system.  As applied to Earth science, these fields are blended rather than distinct disciplines with expertise in each supporting one another.

Earth's Spheres

Earth science is generally defined as the interdisciplinary study encompassing phenomena of the Earth’s domains, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere; these correspond to rocks, water, air, and life.  The field is now evolving in a direction that increasingly includes the cryosphere (corresponding to ice) as a distinct portion of the hydrosphere, and the pedosphere (corresponding to soil) as part of an actively mixing, dynamic Earth system.

The following fields of science are generally categorized within the Earth Sciences:

Government and businesses depend on geologic information and ideas to develop infrastructure and live in harmony with the natural environment. Earth Science offers students, professionals, and the public the tools for understanding relationships between the Earth and people.

Earth Science at Oregon State University is an ideal component in the Education Double Degree for students planning to teach, and in the International Double Degree for students interested in studying abroad.

Where else can I find out about Earth Science?

American Geological Institute’s Earth Magazine
American Geophysical Union Recent Publications
Earth Science.com - http://geology.com/body.htm
http://science.howstuffworks.com/earth-science-channel.htm

Why Choose Earth Science at OSU?

Why is Oregon State University a great place to study Earth Science?
The Department of Geosciences is part of a large and influential Earth Science community at Oregon State University. Complementing the faculty within the Department of Geosciences, renowned teachers and researchers in the College of Forestry, the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences and the College of Engineering provide a wealth of opportunity for undergraduate Earth Science majors to be involved in broad range of linked course work and collaborative research. Nearby offices of the Environmental Protection Agency and US Forest Service provide other research and internship opportunities for undergraduates. Earth Science majors have access to a dedicated faculty with a variety of skills and interests. Faculty research projects include the study of climate change, ocean circulation, hydrologic modeling and the study of the interplay of multiple earth systems.
Students are exposed to the geologist's real world in many ways.  Many of our courses have field and laboratory components where students obtain hands on experience in observation and data collection.  In addition students have the opportunity to participate in field trips sponsored by faculty and by the student-directed Geosciences Club to places like Spain, South Africa, and the Middle East.   Each week they hear from geoscientists from across the country who make scheduled appearances on campus. Earth Science students enrich their academic experience by attending the OSU Earth Science Field Course in central California (Geo295). 

The Department of Geosciences at Oregon State University offers undergraduate students an outstanding faculty with active research and teaching programs, a collegial and cooperative learning environment, and a mix of field, laboratory and computer-based approaches to teaching and learning. OSU is ranked among the top 25 geosciences programs in the United States (Geotimes, May, 2003, p. 15). It is located in Corvallis, Oregon, where the quality of life is high and outdoor recreation opportunities are in close proximity. If you like hiking, mountain biking, skiing, beachcombing or many other outdoor activities, you'll love OSU!

Why is Oregon a great location to study Earth Science?
An amazing diversity of natural wonders close by:

What internship opportunities are available?
Examples of previous geosciences internships
GSA Intern Page
Undergraduate internship guidelines

What scholarships are available?

Geoscience Department Awards

Scholarships for Geosciences Department undergraduate students are supported by the generosity of alumni and friends. Most scholarships are awarded to currently enrolled students during Spring Term for use during the following year. Geosciences undergraduate awards and scholarships include the following:

The Amanda Prewitt Scholarship for a female undergraduate student who best exemplifies good service and career orientation within the department.

The Department Award for Excellence in Earth Science for the best senior.

The Jess Johnson Student Writing Award in Earth Science for the student who best exemplifies Dr. Johnson's commitment to high quality writing.

Watch for announcements about other scholarships and pick up an application form from the Geosciences Department in 104 Wilkinson Hall.

University Awards

Information on University Scholarships is available from the OSU Financial Aid Office

What are other amenities of studying Earth Science at OSU?
The Geosciences office staff are friendly, informed, and dedicated to helping undergraduate students.
In the northeast corner of the second floor of Wilkinson Hall, the Digital Earth Lab provides students a high-quality, up-to-date, attractive, and accessible computer lab for Earth Science projects and classes. It is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful graduate students and supervised by a full-time Lab Manager.
Computer terminals with Internet access are available in a student lounge for undergraduates.
What department is closer to The Beanery or Bombs Away, some of the finest collegetown hangouts you'll find anywhere!

How can a Earth Science degree tie with other OSU programs?
* International Degree
* Education Double Degree

What do Earth Scientists do?

Earth Scientists work in a wide variety of jobs using their diverse skills. A Earth Science degree from Oregon State University can prepare a student for a professional job in environmental sciences, science interpretation, applied Earth Science, Earth Science Education or can serve as a stepping stone to graduate programs with the goal of employment in governmental geological surveys and research laboratories, and university teaching and research. Recent graduates work in areas as diverse as the National Park Service, the Navy, city planning and K-12 education.

The job market for Earth Scientists is not as closely related to world prices for oil, gas and metals as that of the job market for fields such as Geology or Engineering..  Geologists are employed by petroleum, mining, construction, cement, ceramic, and chemical companies, by banks and investment firms, and by major engineering and environmental consulting firms. State and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Forest Service, the Oregon Department of Earth Science and Mineral Industries and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also hire geologists

Employment fields that open opportunities for Earth Scientists include:
Environmental protection
Natural resource management (including watersheds, forests, grasslands, coastlines, marine areas, inland waters)
Land-use planning
Water resource development
Civil engineering
Teaching (including K-12, community college and universities)
National/state park administration
Natural hazards mitigation (including flood, earthquake, volcano, tsunami)
Cultural preservation and interpretation
Natural disaster aid and relief
International development
National defense and security

Earth Science graduates enter the job market with a broad background in natural science and its role in society. The specific strength of Earth Science is the interdisciplinary nature of the degree.  To emphasize students' preparation for specific careers, advisors in the OSU Earth Science Program may suggest coursework in foreign languages, writing, communication, computer science, statistics, mathematics, economics, chemistry and oceanography.

What about graduate school?

Many Earth Science majors continue their education at the Master’s or PhD levels. OSU undergraduate majors have successfully gone on to complete graduate degrees in Earth System Science, other Geosciences such as Oceanography, or use the science training as the basis for careers in law, business, forestry or agriculture. The OSU Earth Science Program advisors can help majors to prepare for graduate work and recommend appropriate universities.

More information about Oregon State University’s graduate degrees can be found in the corresponding graduate program section of the Geosciences website.

Go to Graduate Record Exam (GRE) website

What are opportunities for Earth Science grads?

* OSU Alumni Stories
* Geoscientists in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (US Dept. of Labor)
* Careers in the Geosciences (Earth Science World)
* GSA Employment Page
* Jobs on Earth Science.com

What Will I Study as a Earth Science Major at OSU?

What course work and other activities lead to an OSU Earth Science degree?
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees at Oregon State University offer opportunities to learn not only about the Earth and its impact on society in the classroom, but also to experience how Earth Science is practiced in the field and in the work place. Virtually all of OSU's undergraduate Earth Science courses include field trips to nearby regions that encompass every type Earth process. The OSU Geo Club works with faculty to sponsor annual field trips for undergraduates to places of outstanding geologic importance - recent trips have explored diamond mines in South Africa, geysers in Yellowstone and the collision of continents in the Pyrenees of Spain. Many undergraduates conduct lab or field work as part of faculty research projects or serve as Earth Science interns for government agencies or private companies.

What kind of courses will I take?
All Geoscience courses in OSU Online Catalog

What are the degree requirements?
Earth Science BS Requirements Check Sheet

Options:
Applied Earth Science Option Requirements check sheet
Earth Science Education Option Requirements check sheet
Earth System Science Option requirements check sheet
Public Interpretation Option requirements check sheet

What advising is provided?
Students will be assigned an advisor when they declare a major within the Department of Geosciences. Students without an assigned advisor should contact the Geosciences Office (geo-info@geo.oregonstate.edu) or the Earth Science Program Director (Dr. Roger Nielsen).