The College of Science's Earth & Environmental Science major is an interdisciplinary degree that enables students to study the interconnected nature of earth systems, including the fields of atmospheric science, geology, and ecology. Students with this degree will gain the education and experience to make an impact on the challenges facing our planet.

This degree will focus on providing students with transformational experiential learning opportunities. You'll start your degree as part of the Science Research Initiative, where you will join a research lab during your first year on campus - no experience required. After a community-building class providing an introduction to university research, students will be paired in a "research stream" with faculty and a group of peers to experience the challenge and opportunities with research - either in the lab or in the field.

Earth & Environmental Science students will engage with the living laboratory surrounding the University of Utah - from studying forest ecology in the Wasatch Mountains, geology in the midst of Utah's national parks, or climate science from the top of one of Utah's world-famous ski resorts. A critical part of learning about earth systems is to experience them firsthand, and our students will engage with the natural beauty of Utah while working on environmental challenges that face the state and the Intermountain region. This balance of coursework both in a laboratory and in the field will prepare our students for career opportunities in a wide variety of growing fields.