Earth Systems

The Bachelor of Arts in Earth Systems at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to explore the complex interactions between Earth's physical, biological, and human systems. This program provides students with a broad understanding of Earth's processes, including climate change, environmental sustainability, geology, oceanography, and atmospheric science. Students will gain a solid foundation in scientific principles, critical thinking, and data analysis, enabling them to address pressing environmental challenges facing our planet today. The curriculum combines coursework from multiple disciplines such as geology, ecology, geography, atmospheric sciences, and policy studies, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on Earth systems. Students will have opportunities for hands-on learning through laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and research projects, fostering practical skills and real-world experience. The program also emphasizes the importance of societal impacts and ethical considerations related to environmental issues, preparing graduates for careers in research, environmental consulting, conservation, policy-making, and education. Partnerships with research institutes and government agencies enhance experiential learning and professional development. Graduates of this program will be equipped to analyze environmental data, develop sustainable solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the stewardship of Earth's resources. With a strong emphasis on environmental justice and sustainability, the Earth Systems degree aims to advance understanding and inspire action towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Geology and/or Allied Science Electives Not Otherwise Required for the Major

• All students, regardless of their residency and/or citizenship, apply to UNC using The Common Application. The application will ask you for more information, including your personal biographical information, parent and sibling information, educational history, and extracurricular activities. There are also three writing samples: one essay on The Common Application and two short answer responses on the UNC-Chapel Hill Member Page.
• Secondary School/High School Transcripts
• All applicants are required to submit a statement from an official at their secondary school. This is often a University Counselor at your school, or an advisor, headmaster, or other official. Please note that this must come from someone at your secondary school. We will not accept statements from private counseling companies or agents.
• We require one letter of recommendation from a teacher who has taught you in your secondary school.
• We require all applicants, regardless of where they are from, to submit SAT or ACT scores. Our SAT code is 5816 and our ACT code is 3162. We have no preference between the SAT or ACT. If you send us both scores, we will look at whichever score is higher in our review of your application.
• TOEFL minimum is 100
• IELTS minimum is 7.0
• We do not require or offer interviews as part of our admissions process. However, non-native English speakers are welcome to submit unscripted interviews with third-party services such as InitialView, Vericant or Naviance Advantage. This is not a requirement and will only be used as supplemental information as needed by the Admissions Committee.

Scholarships

We consider all students, including international students, for a limited number of merit-based scholarships. There is no separate application for these scholarships—just by applying for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for these opportunities. Because these are quite limited in number, we encourage all students to be prepared to pay the full cost of attendance.

Students attending one of the 12 United World Colleges (UWC) are eligible for the Davis Scholars Program,providing they demonstrate financial need according to UNC-approved methodology. Admitted Davis UWC students will receive instructions regarding requisite forms for determining financial need. Qualifying Davis UWC Scholars can receive a scholarship of up to $10,000.

The Earth Systems program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the complex interactions within Earth's physical, biological, and chemical systems. This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students for careers in environmental science, climate research, resource management, and policy making. The curriculum typically includes coursework in geology, atmospheric science, oceanography, ecology, and environmental chemistry, providing a well-rounded foundation in Earth sciences. Students have opportunities to engage in hands-on research, fieldwork, and internships, which enhance practical skills and deepen understanding of Earth's processes. The program emphasizes the importance of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the scientific principles underlying Earth's systems. Graduates of the Earth Systems degree can pursue further education in graduate or professional schools or enter the workforce in areas such as environmental consultancy, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry. The faculty involved in this program are experts in their fields, offering mentorship and research guidance. State-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities support student innovations and exploration. The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to integrate knowledge from different Earth science disciplines. Overall, the Earth Systems program at UNC Chapel Hill aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet today.