Contact Hannah Ocampo, Undergraduate Advisor who is here to help you through your process. ocampo@geol.ucsb.edu

Earth Science is the science of the earth—the study of its rocks, minerals, and records of ancient life, and of the physical, chemical, and biological processes, past and present, at work in the earth's interior, on its surface, and within its envelope of water and air. The methods of geology are applicable to the study of the moon and the planets.

The undergraduate program in Earth Science provides the background in elementary geology, basic sciences, and mathematics necessary for graduate work in geology or closely related fields such as geophysics, geochemistry, paleobiology, or oceanography. In addition, the program retains the flexibility to permit preparation for eventual specialization in related fields. In consultation with an undergraduate advisor, students may develop individual programs tailored to their interests and career goals.

There are numerous career opportunities in the geological sciences in educational, governmental, and industrial organizations. Students with a Bachelors degree in geological sciences who are interested in pursuing a California Teaching Credential should contact the credential advisor in the Graduate School of Education as soon as possible.

Prospective students are required to confer with a department advisor before beginning a program in geology. Students may correspond with advisors before they enter the university, and they are expected to attend a meeting with the department chair scheduled during registration week. The three bachelor of science degrees in geological sciences and the degree in geophysics are the primary degrees offered by the department. The department also offers the bachelor of arts in geological sciences (which requires more General Education and fewer geological science elective courses than the bachelor of science) and the minor in geological sciences.