About the Program

Earth Systems brings together the natural sciences and the study of human systems to help us understand how our planet works—and how we can shape its future. Our most pressing social-environmental challenges emerge from complex interactions among climate, oceans, ecosystems, geology, technology, and society. Addressing these challenges requires the ability to connect insights across disciplines, recognize interactions among systems, and integrate diverse perspectives. Earth Systems provides a rigorous interdisciplinary foundation that equips students with the scientific understanding, systems perspective, and analytical skills needed to explore complex social-environmental questions and develop solutions for a changing world.

What You'll Study

• The Earth Systems curriculum combines a rigorous scientific foundation with the flexibility to explore the social-environmental questions that inspire you most. You’ll begin with an interdisciplinary core that introduces the natural and human dimensions of environmental science. From there, you’ll choose one of eight academic tracks to develop deeper expertise in an area that aligns with your interests and goals:

  • Sustainable Food and Agriculture

  • Energy, Science and Technology

  • Environmental Geoscience

  • Human Environmental Systems

  • Oceans, Atmosphere and Climate

  • Land Systems

  • Biosphere

  • Sustainable Societies and Environment

• Throughout the major, you’ll learn how to investigate social-environmental challenges using approaches from across the natural and social sciences. Through coursework, field-based learning, and laboratory investigations, you’ll strengthen your abilities in quantitative analysis, data interpretation, scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and communication—skills that prepare you for careers in environmental science and related fields, as well as graduate and professional study.

• Every Earth Systems student also completes an internship, gaining hands-on experience by applying classroom knowledge to real-world social-environmental questions and challenges. Through this experience, you’ll build professional skills, expand your network, and explore career pathways in areas such as scientific research, conservation, environmental policy, sustainable business, education, and entrepreneurship.

• As an Earth Systems student, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of faculty, students, alumni, and partner organizations working together to better understand our planet and develop solutions for the environmental challenges facing society.