Earth and Planetary Science Minor
Interdisciplinary Minor
The Earth and Planetary Science minor gives students a broad understanding of processes that formed and modified the Earth and other planets in the solar system. The curriculum introduces a wide range of topics, from surface phenomena such as weather and climate, to the Earth’s internal composition and dynamics. Transcending the boundaries of traditional geological studies, the Earth and Planetary Science program focuses on the way large Earth systems such as the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact and evolve. Further emphasis is placed on the fundamental physical and chemical laws that govern the cycling of matter and energy on the Earth. Together, these complementary approaches help to provide students with a comprehensive view of the planet’s origin and evolution, as well as an enlightened appreciation for the forces at work in our natural environment.