Explore the complex and changing systems of Earth and other planets.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Earth and Planetary Science in the College of Letters & Science explores earth’s atmospheres, oceans, geology, biosphere, and the interactions among them all. Students pursue one of the following specializations: Atmospheric Science, Environmental Earth Science, Geology, Geophysics, Marine Science, or Planetary Science. The Department of Earth and Planetary Science was the first major center of academic geology in the western United States, and has since grown to include environmental issues, atmospheres, oceans, as well as planetary systems. EPS is top-ranked among earth science departments—more PhD recipients in Earth Science receive their undergraduate education at UC Berkeley than any other university.
Highlights
- Get involved with a student group like Ocean Society or Geologic Association.
- Participate in research, field camps, or conferences with support from the Ramsden Fellowship.
- Work on a senior thesis with a faculty member in the EPS Honors Program.
Major Specializations
- Atmospheric Science is the study of Earth's atmospheric dynamics/processes, climate, paleoclimate, chemistry, and/or biogeochemistry.
- Environmental Earth Science takes a broad approach to the natural sciences with a focus on interrelationships of the Earth's physical, biological, and chemical processes.
- Geology is the science of Earth—of its minerals and processes, its origin, shaping, and evolution.
- Geophysics is the science of Earth's physical processes and properties, and the study of geodynamic processes and structure of the Earth and other planets.
- Marine Science is the study of the ocean's central role in physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes on Earth.
- Planetary Science encompasses the formation of planets, the forces that sculpted their orbits, the processes that shaped their interiors, surface, and atmospheres, and the development of life.
Curriculum
The EPS program provides general and specialized knowledge through coursework, laboratory training, primary field research, library research, and computer applications, with oral presentations and written reports. The major consists of lower division coursework in chemistry/biology, math, physics, and the foundation course EPS 50. Upper division courses include EPS 102, 150, and core courses and electives in students’ major specialization.
Learn more at eps.berkeley.edu/student-resources/undergraduate-students/
Declaring the Major
Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. To declare the Earth and Planetary Science major, do the following:
- Meet with the Undergraduate Advisor to talk about the EPS major and declaration process.
- Meet with your Faculty Advisor to sign the Major Declaration Form.
- Submit the form to the Undergraduate Advisor.
You do not need to complete all of the lower division major requirements to declare the major. However, we strongly encourage you to take EPS 50 before declaring.
The EPS undergraduate program provides strong technical training for those who wish to pursue professional careers in the earth, environmental and planetary sciences, as well as training in analytical, creative and critical thinking and communication. Upon completion of the degree, students are ready to enter graduate school at top-ranking institutions, find employment in the profession, continue in public education as teachers, or use their background as a sound basis for a new career in fields such as public policy, law, and the medical sciences.
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Earth and Planetary Science. The College of Letters & Science hosts MPS 101, a career development course, and offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Employment
Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:
- Computer Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Environmental Law
- Geology Researcher
- GIS Analyst
- GSE Engineer
- Hydrogeologist
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- Remote Sensing Researcher
- Science Technician
- Seismologist
- Structural Geologist
- Training Petrographer
- Wildland Firefighter
Graduate Study
Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:
- Applied Mathematics
- Astrophysics
- Business
- Data Science
- Earth and Planetary Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Geophysics and Seismology
- Law
- Marine Biology
- Physics
Jose, class of 2021
Jose Magana graduated with a BA in Geophysics and MS in Civil Engineering.
Having experienced the 2001 earthquake in El Salvador, Jose understood the struggles of natural disasters. Forced to flee his home country as an undocumented refugee, Jose’s journey eventually led him to UC Berkeley, where he worked with Professor Douglas Dreger to study the earthquake that originally sparked Jose’s interest in seismology.
“I want to pursue a career where I can continue to understand seismology’s practical application for engineering analysis and designs—to help limit the impact that earthquakes and other natural disasters have on people’s lives.”
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Start exploring with L&S 1 and the L&S New Freshman Student Guide.
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and degree requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the EPS major and specializations; begin lower division requirements in math and chemistry/biology.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or Berkeley Changemaker.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization such as Ocean Society or Geologic Association.
- Access resources from MPS Scholars and the Student Learning Center.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research Fair for Math and Physical Sciences.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the EPS website.
- Begin making a plan to get career ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Start using Handshake to connect with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in EPS 50 if you haven’t done so yet; complete physics and any remaining lower division requirements.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans;
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; check out options in Australia, Iceland, and Japan.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
- Connect with your faculty advisor and declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend seminars hosted by EPS and related research centers.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP or Bakar Ignite Scholars to work on a faculty research project.
- Browse student opportunities from the EPA, NOAA, NASA, and other agencies.
- Look into the Ramsden Fellowship for funding support.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, EPS, and BCE; look into UC LEADS and the Goldwater Scholarship.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Begin taking upper division requirements, including EPS 102 and 150.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
- Consider applying to the EPS Honors Program; apply for support from the Ramsden Fellowship, SURF or Haas Scholars Program.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as an EPS Peer Advisor.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Mentor local youth through Bridging Berkeley, Expanding Your Horizons, or SENDforC.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Enroll in MPS 101 Careers in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences; attend EPS career seminars.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
- Join a professional association such as the Geological Society of America.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Challenge yourself with a graduate-level course.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get involved in public education with Science at Cal or the Lawrence Hall of Science.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Scientific Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Start connecting with alumni groups such as the EPS LinkedIn Group.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course.
- Engage in mentored research through the National Science Foundation or Department of Energy.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Interested in science administration? Apply to the NSF Summer Scholars Internship Program.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Data Science and Sustainability.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with PHYSICS 153 Transfer Course for Physical Science Majors and the L&S New Transfer Student Guide.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans; enroll in EPS 50 and upper division requirements.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
- Connect with your faculty advisor and declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization such as Ocean Society or Geologic Association.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Access resources from MPS Scholars and the Student Learning Center.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Attend the Undergraduate Research Fair for Math and Physical Sciences.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the EPS website.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue upper division requirements, including electives.
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; check out options in Australia, Iceland, and Japan.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
- Consider applying to the EPS Honors Program; apply for support from the Ramsden Fellowship, SURF or Haas Scholars Program.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend seminars hosted by EPS and related research centers.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Browse student opportunities from the EPA, NOAA, NASA, and other agencies.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP or Bakar Ignite Scholars to work on a faculty research project.
- Look into the Ramsden Fellowship for funding support.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, EPS, and BCE; look into UC LEADS and the Goldwater Scholarship.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options; look into the Hertz Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in EPS 102 if you haven’t done so yet; keep working on upper division requirements.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as an EPS Peer Advisor or Transfer Peer Advocate.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy
- Get involved in public education with Science at Cal or the Lawrence Hall of Science.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Mentor local youth through Bridging Berkeley, Expanding Your Horizons, or SENDforC.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Enroll in MPS 101 Careers in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences; attend EPS career seminars.
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Join a professional association such as the Geological Society of America.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Challenge yourself with a graduate-level course.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Scientific Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Start connecting with alumni groups such as the EPS LinkedIn Group.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Consider the Pre-Core Transfer Summer Program for newly admitted students in the physical sciences.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course.
- Engage in mentored research through the National Science Foundation or Department of Energy.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Interested in science administration? Apply to the NSF Summer Scholars Internship Program.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Data Science and Sustainability.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Earth and Planetary Science or choosing a major?
The Department of Earth and Planetary Science offers undergraduate advising to students interested in EPS major and minor programs. Peer Advisors provide insights on navigating the major, courses, study abroad, research and internships, and student organizations. The Undergraduate Major Advisor advises on program guidance, major declaration, and other major-related inquiries. Faculty Advisors are available to discuss major specializations, course content and equivalencies, careers, and graduate school.
The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu
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