Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a Major in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences

BS Degree with a Major in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences

Upon completing the BS degree with a major in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of how the Earth system operates over geologic and modern timescales.
2. Demonstrate the ability to make and record observations in the field, and to analyze and interpret these data in the context of the geologic history.
3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate published research in the Earth, Environmental and Planetary sciences.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and its application to the study of Earth, Environmental and Planetary sciences.

BS Degree with a Major in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing BS degree with a major in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences must complete:

• A minimum of 22-24 courses (68-75 credit hours), depending on course selection, to satisfy major requirements.
• A minimum of 520 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 50-52 courses (30-36 credit hours), depending on course selection, taken at 300-level or above.
• one area of specialization (see below for areas of specialization). BS degree with a major in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences offers three areas of specialization:
  • Environmental Earth Science, or
  • Geoscience, or
  • Planetary Science.

courses listed below satisfy this major. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of major’s academic advisor, or where applicable, department's Director of Undergraduate Studies. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by major's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document courses to be taken.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency in one of two ways:

1. Completing at least two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum prior to submitting an application.

2. Submitting one of the following official test scores.

• The Coalition Application or the Common Application and Rice writing supplement
• $75 nonrefundable application fee (must be paid online)
• Official high school transcript in English (or a certified English translation)
• Recommendation Letters
  • School Counselor
  • Teacher 5
  • Teacher 2
• Demonstration of English proficiency
• International Student Financial Statement
• Architecture portfolio (Architecture applicants only)