Majors, minors & more
Earth Sciences (Geology)
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
- Graduate program
Overview
Earth science is geology and more; it provides foundational knowledge of how our planet works and applies knowledge of the natural process of global change to understanding our current environmental conditions.
The earth sciences major at WSU prepares you with the skills to engage in some of our most challenging problems, such as responsible exploration for and extraction and use of natural resources, understanding consequences of global climate change, and reducing human suffering and property loss from natural hazards.
In the integrated curriculum of WSU’s School of the Environment, you’ll explore and understand the Earth’s physical and environmental processes. Along the way, you’ll have unbeatable opportunities to experience the latest science and technology. With WSU professors as your mentors, you can even conduct your own research.
- Strengths of the program
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Get hands-on experience and learn from leading researchers in science labs and teaching programs like these:
- GeoAnalytical Laboratory
- Astrobiology Laboratory
- Computational Geodynamic Laboratory
Work closely with professors who are nationally recognized experts in:
- Geochemistry of large volcanic eruptions
- Exploration of chemical weathering on ecology, hydrology, geochemistry, and microbiology
- Hydrothermal systems
- Magma genesis in volcanic settings and rifting events
- Astrobiology
- Chemical and physical evolution of the Earth
Study at numerous nearby field sites such as the Columbia River Basalt plateau, Idaho and Wallowa batholiths, Cascade volcanoes, and local groundwater sources.
Benefit from an integrated School of the Environment curriculum- you learn to consider Earth Science from all angles.
Expand your experience through the department's close ties with the Department of Geology at University of Idaho.
- Scholarships and financial aid
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A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.
For all students at WSU
Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:
- Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration, including departmental awards.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need. Get started here.
Click here for more info about WSU scholarships and financial aid
For students in Earth sciences and geology
Students in majors offered by the School of the Environment can be considered for scholarships from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources, and the School of the Environment.
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) annually awards more than $500,000 to students. For more information, see the CAHNRS scholarship page. Scholarships specific to the School of the Environment are listed here.
- Sample career options in Earth sciences
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An Earth sciences degree prepares you for jobs such as these in the public sector and in private industry.
- Exploration geoscientist
- Petroleum or mining geologist
- Geochemist
- Geophysicist
- Paleontologist
- Climatologist
- Hydrologist
- Mineralogist
- Planetary geologist
- Volcanologist
- Oceanographer