Minor

The undergraduate program in Earth and Planetary Sciences aims to provide students with a broad background in the Earth and Planetary Sciences fundamentals and the quantitative, analytical, and communication skills necessary to conduct research and think critically about questions involving the Earth and other planets. EPS focuses on the history and structure of the Earth and other planets, the physics and chemistry of planetary materials, the processes that cycle those materials globally, and the interaction of human activities with geological processes and resources.

Areas of study to explore within EPS:

• Earth history and the evolution of life 

• Oceans and the atmosphere

• Climate change

• Processes that shape the Earth’s landscapes

• Chemistry and physics of Earth materials

• Sources of water, economic minerals, metals, and fuels

• Natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides

• Contamination of natural waterways and possibilities for mitigation

• Natural resource depletion and sustainable management practices

• Planetary exploration

Multidisciplinary areas to explore within EPS:

• Geobiology

• Geochemistry & Environmental Chemistry

• Geochronology & Thermochronology

• Geomorphology, Hydrology, and Surface Processes

• Geostatistics & Uncertainty Quantification

• Mineralogy, Materials Science, and Mineral Physics

• Petrology & Volcanology

• Planetary Science

• Sedimentary & Petroleum Geology

• Structural Geology & Tectonics, Geomechanics

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate Minors in the program are expected to demonstrate specific learning outcomes that serve as criteria for evaluating both students and the department's undergraduate program. These outcomes include:

1. Understanding fundamental concepts in Earth and planetary science.

2. Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting geological and environmental data to test hypotheses.

3. Capability to address real geological and/or environmental problems in the field.

4. Effective communication of scientific knowledge through oral, visual, and written means.

Declaring the Minor

If you are interested in declaring Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) or want to know more about the major, minor, or co-term program, we are here to help.

Reach out to the EPS Student Services Team if you have questions.

Assistant Director of Student Services Anjani Varma advarma@stanford.edu and Student Services Administrator Cerise Burns ceriseb@stanford.edu