Bachelor of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University
The Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Columbus campus in United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences
Degree: BS, BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Earth sciences concern the Earth’s entire physical makeup and the history of the physical and biological events that occurred within and upon it over the past four and a half billion years. Earth scientists are curious about the whole Earth, from its ancient past to its present and future, and they use the tools of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and other sciences to study Earth.
At Ohio State, students choose from four specializations for the bachelor of science degree:
The geological sciences specialization focuses on the traditional areas of geology, including mineralogy and petrology, sedimentation and stratigraphy, paleontology, and geochemistry. Students pursuing this specialization will be well-prepared for employment in a variety of industries and for graduate school in geological sciences.
The Earth system science specialization focuses on areas beyond traditional geological sciences, including hydrogeology, glaciology, oceanography and geomorphology. Students pursuing this specialization explore relationships between Earth sciences and other disciplines, including geography, atmospheric sciences, the biological sciences, economics, natural resources and engineering.
The geophysics specialization focuses on quantitative aspects of geophysics and geodynamics and provides students preparation for admission to competitive graduate programs in geophysics, and for geophysics positions within the energy industry.
The petroleum geology and geophysics specialization combines aspects of the geological sciences and geophysics programs and trains students interested in graduate study in petroleum geology and geophysics, internships at major oil companies, and for immediate employment at small- and mid-sized petroleum companies.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in earth sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences. Students should then contact a the Earth Sciences advisor, Dr. Karen Royce, to map out an appropriate program of courses.
Curriculum
The School of Earth Sciences offers two major programs, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Both programs involve course work in preparation for the major and the major program itself.
BA program preparation for the major consists of the following courses in basic science and mathematics: five credit hours
 of general chemistry, five credit hours in calculus and analytic geometry, eight credit hours of biological sciences, and four credit hours each of physical and historical geology. The BA major consists of at least 30 credit hours of course work in upper level geological science courses or other approved upper level courses in natural sciences. Most students who have pursued the BA major pursue careers other than in the Earth sciences, such as secondary education or law.
BS program preparation for the major consists of the following courses in basic science and mathematics: 5–10 credit hours
 of general chemistry, 10 credit hours of calculus and analytic geometry, four credit hours of data analysis, 5–10 credit hours of introductory physics, four credit hours of biological science, four credit hours each of physical geology and historical geology, and two additional courses in other sciences or mathematics.
Each specialization has a set of core courses and may consist of classes in mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, paleontology, sedimentation and stratigraphy, geophysics, petroleum geology, geochemistry, oceanography, geomorphology, hydrology, hydrogeology, field geology, and additional credit hours in upper-level Earth sciences courses.
Research
As part of the BS program, students work with a faculty member to design and conduct a research project and write a thesis. Research begins as early as the first year. A thesis course is available for students to learn about conducting a thesis, technical writing, and finding a project and a faculty member.
Student organizations
Student organizations of interest to students in Earth sciences include Geo Club, the Earth sciences national honorary society, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, and some student chapters of national professional organizations.
Possible careers
Students interested in pursuing careers in water resources, oceanography, natural hazards, or the oil and gas industry should consider a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences. Since 2012, about one-third of our graduates have gone to work at companies associated with energy production, including Schlumberger, Baker-Hughes, and Core Laboratories, and at environmental consulting companies, including Eagon and Associates, DHDC Engineering Consulting, EMSL Analytical, and Battelle Memorial Institute. Each year a few graduates seek and find employment with government agencies including Ohio EPA, Ohio Seismology, and county soil and water conservation districts.
About half of the program's graduates go directly to graduate school with full support and stipend at universities that include Stanford, University of Texas, Penn State, and University of Southern California.
Salary estimates
The median salary for geoscientists in 2018 was $91,000, and entry level salaries for students with a bachelors degree range from $40,000-$54,000.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Earth Sciences at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus