Earth and planetary sciences

The Earth and Planetary Sciences undergraduate program at the University of California offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental processes that shape our planet and the wider solar system. This interdisciplinary program combines coursework in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, oceanography, and planetary sciences to provide students with a holistic understanding of Earth's history, structure, and dynamic systems. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on laboratory work, field excursions, and research projects that foster practical skills and scientific inquiry. The curriculum is designed to develop analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consulting, resource management, research, education, or advanced study in graduate or professional schools. Faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, guiding students through the latest developments in earthquake seismology, volcanic activity, climate change, planetary exploration, and sustainable resource utilization. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific literacy and environmental stewardship, encouraging students to consider the societal impacts of Earth sciences. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad opportunities, and collaborative research initiatives with governmental agencies and industry partners. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories, seismic stations, and remote sensing technology, students acquire essential skills in data analysis, modeling, and experimental techniques. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to contribute to scientific advancements and policy-making that address pressing global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change, and resource management. The program prepares students for diverse careers in academia, industry, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, fostering a new generation of Earth and planetary scientists committed to understanding and protecting our planet.

Thesis M.S. Track.  In their first year, all thesis-track graduate students register for courses 203, Introductory Teaching Seminar; 204, Earth and Planetary Sciences Foundation; 206, Great Papers in the Earth Sciences; and, in consultation with the graduate advising committee, choose at least one subject course focusing on specific Earth and planetary sciences content and one course focusing on quantitative analysis (from a list in the EPS Graduate Handbook). In subsequent years, all students participate in course 293, Graduate Research Seminar. Other course requirements are tailored to the individual student’s academic background, professional experience, and plans for research. Master’s degree students must take a minimum of 35 quarter units of graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses (at least 20 of which are graduate-level and not including Earth Science 297, Independent Research) including the courses mentioned above. It is recommended that all thesis-track graduate students attain some teaching experience while at UCSC.

Before the start of fall quarter, each first-year thesis track student must meet with his/her faculty adviser to determine a customized course list designed to improve breadth and enable research goals. Immediately afterwards, a meeting is scheduled with the graduate program director to finalize and approve this initial discussion with a written study plan. Yearly academic review meetings with the primary adviser will then reassess the student's progress in completing these courses and independent research.

The M.S. thesis is a scholarly contribution consisting of results of an original research project by the student. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare their results for publication in the peer-reviewed literature. The M.S. thesis must be completed by the end of the third year after entering the program, and students are strongly encouraged to complete their thesis earlier and to present the results of this work publicly.

Plan 2 Coursework M.S. Track. The coursework M.S. track is a professional program designed to allow students to increase their breadth, quantitative depth, or emphasis on a particular specialty; to provide the student with a stronger background toward competition for jobs or an enhancement of skills for current employment (e.g., K–14 teaching); and to allow students from other disciplines (e.g., biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, environmental studies) to acquire advanced training in Earth and planetary sciences. Prior to the first quarter of study, students have a meeting with their faculty adviser in which they develop a study plan of at least nine 5-credit courses, and a statement of objectives. Of these courses, only one can be from the EART 280-290 series, and at least 20 credits must come from graduate courses numbered 200-279. One of the nine courses can be an independent study involving a focused research project. It is expected that the course plan will comprise a minimum of 45 quarter credits graduate-level and quantitative, upper-level, undergraduate elective courses. The plan must be approved by the graduate representative.

Coursework master’s students are required to fulfill one of the following capstone options: a substantial review/research manuscript or a comprehensive oral examination based on their coursework.

There is no foreign-language requirement for either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree. However, many students in the Earth and planetary sciences find knowledge of one or more foreign languages necessary in their particular research and therefore study the appropriate language.

Requirements

• Transcripts. You may upload a scanned copy of your unofficial transcripts to your online application, or send official copies to the Graduate Application Processing address
• Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages, single-spaced.
• The Personal History Statement is required of all applicants.This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.
• A résumé is required for some applications and optional for others.
• All recommendation letters are required to be submitted electronically through the online application.  You must register a minimum of three recommenders, and as many as five, via the Recommendations page of the online application.
• The application fee for the 2016-17 academic year is $105 for domestic applicants and $125 for international applicants. This fee can be paid by credit card or e-check (the e-check option is only available if you have a U.S. bank account). 
• Official GRE scores must be sent from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to UC Santa Cruz, School Code 4860 (no department code necessary).  Official scores must be received prior to the application deadline.
• If you are a non-native English speaker you will be required to take an English language competency exam.  UC Santa Cruz accepts the TOEFL or IELTS test.  Official scores must also be sent from the testing service to UC Santa Cruz, School Code 4860

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Regents Fellowships. A limited number of these fellowships are awarded to first-year graduate students in master's and doctoral programs. These awards provide a stipend and/or payment of university fees except non-resident tuition.
• Global Education

The Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Earth's physical structure, composition, and processes, as well as an introduction to planetary sciences. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary study, combining geology, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, and planetary science to offer students a holistic view of Earth and its place in the solar system. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that explores Earth's history, its dynamic systems, and the fundamental processes that shape planetary bodies.

Throughout their studies, students may participate in laboratory and field investigations, gaining practical experience in scientific methods, data analysis, and problem-solving. The program leverages the university’s research facilities and encourages involvement in research projects, internships, and field trips, providing hands-on experience essential for careers in academia, industry, environmental consulting, natural resource management, and governmental agencies. The curriculum typically includes core courses in physical and historical geology, mineral resources, environmental geology, planetary geology, and planetary atmospheres, among others. Electives allow students to specialize further in areas such as volcanology, seismology, climate science, or planetary exploration.

Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of career paths, including scientific research, environmental policy, resource management, or advanced study in earth sciences. Many students pursue graduate degrees such as master's or Ph.D. in related fields, continuing to deepen their expertise. The program fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation of Earth's complex systems, making students well-equipped to address pressing environmental and planetary challenges. The University of California’s Earth and Planetary Sciences program also encourages undergraduate participation in ongoing research, contributing to scientific advancement and innovation in understanding Earth's and other planetary bodies' behaviors and histories.