Earth Sciences Major (B.S.)

The Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Earth Sciences has four tracks designed for students interested in focusing on Earth's climate, geology, geophysics or oceanography.  The program provides a strong concentration in geoscience, built upon a solid foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences.  The B.S. degree is especially well-suited for students who wish to work in the environmental and geoscience industries, energy sector and climate technologies, teaching at the secondary level, state and federal environmental agencies, or to pursue graduate studies in the Earth sciences, oceanography, and related fields of study. The degree requires a central core of courses and a required specialization in one of climate, geology, geophysics, or oceanography to develop depth in a particular area of the Earth sciences. Students are encouraged to participate in research, field, lab, or internship opportunities to round out their experiences in the degree program.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

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Some of these courses may also satisfy Discovery Program requirements. 

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Or CHEM 405 Chemical Principles for Engineers if applicable

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ESCI 530 Geological Field Methods is required for the geology and geophysics  specializations

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Geophysics track must select ESCI 701 Quantitative Methods in Earth Sciences

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The following should be considered: additional 700-level Earth sciences courses; additional chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses; courses in computer science, engineering, and the biological sciences; and an off-campus field camp.

Specialization Requirements

Capstone Experience

A capstone experience is required of all undergraduate Earth sciences majors during their senior year. All capstone experiences at UNH must meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. The capstone synthesizes and applies disciplinary knowledge and skills.
2. The capstone fosters reflection on undergraduate learning and experience.
3. The capstone demonstrates emerging professional competencies.
4. The capstone applies, analyzes, and/or interprets research or data or artistic expression.
5. The capstone explores areas of interest based on the integration of prior learning.

Suggested ways of meeting the capstone requirement in the Department of Earth Sciences include approved INCO 790 Advanced Research Experience, ESCI 795 Topics/ESCI 796 Topics, ESCI 799 Senior Thesis, URA/SURF/IROP projects, internships, environmental/geologic field camps, REU programs, or Earth Sciences education and outreach activities designed according to the above criteria. Capstone experiences must be equivalent to a minimum of 2 academic credits. Students should work closely with their faculty advisors to define the most appropriate capstone experience for their Earth Sciences degree program, although the capstone mentor can be someone other than their primary faculty advisor. All capstone experiences must be approved and certified by the faculty advisor and the capstone mentor. Presentation of projects or experiences developed for the capstone is encouraged at the annual UNH Undergraduate Research Conference or other appropriate venue.

Climate Specialization

Geology Specialization

Geophysics Specialization

Oceanography Specialization

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One course must be taken in each of the remaining Disciplinary Groups of the University Discovery Program (Biological Sciences; Environment Technology & Society; Historical Perspectives; World Culture; Fine & Performing Arts; Social Science; Humanities).

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Three science electives must be approved in consultation with departmental advisor.

Students will be able to:

• Recognize common Earth materials and structures.
• Describe how Earth scientists construct the geological time scale and apply geochronologic dating techniques.
• Describe the broad attributes of and interactions within the Earth System, as well as its geological history, how and why it is changing today, and how those changes impact society.
• Understanding Earth processes and cycles.
• Perform simple calculations to process and evaluate quantitative Earth science data..
• Collect, interpret, and synthesize basic field observations and measurements to develop and test multiple working hypotheses to explain them.
• Become proficient in basic geological and Earth science laboratory skills.
• Successfully apply basic calculus and chemistry to Earth science problems.
• Summarize, analyze, and evaluate student-generated scientific data and the primary Earth sciences literature.
• Effectively communicate results of scientific inquiries orally, visually, and in writing.