Overview

The Earth Sciences programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides a deep exploration of the fundamental processes that govern the evolution of Earth and other celestial bodies within our solar system. Students engage with complex scientific questions regarding planetary formation, landscape development, and the physical mechanisms that shape our world. This degree integrates diverse material from across the physical sciences to ensure graduates are highly competitive in both the professional marketplace and advanced graduate research environments.

The curriculum is designed to address critical societal challenges, including the management of water and natural resources, the impact of rising sea levels, and the mitigation of natural hazards.

Why Earth Sciences at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The University of California, Santa Cruz offers a distinctive approach to Earth Sciences by providing specialised concentrations that allow students to tailor their education to specific interests. These pathways include geology, geophysics, ocean sciences, and planetary sciences, ensuring a broad yet focused academic experience. The department emphasises the interconnectedness of physical sciences, fostering a multidisciplinary environment where students can thrive.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances academic rigour with real-world relevance. The programme's focus on both Earth and planetary systems provides a unique perspective that is highly valued in the scientific community. Furthermore, the university's location and research focus offer a rich context for studying environmental and geological phenomena firsthand.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics within the physical and planetary sciences. Modules may include:

Geology
Geophysics
Ocean Sciences
Planetary Sciences
Environmental Science
Earth and Planetary Sciences

Careers with Earth Sciences

Graduates from the University of California, Santa Cruz are well-prepared for diverse professional paths across multiple sectors. Many alumni secure roles within geological and environmental consulting firms, providing essential expertise for infrastructure and conservation projects. Others find opportunities within governmental agencies at local, state, and federal levels, contributing to public policy and resource management.

The programme also serves as a strong foundation for careers in business, industry, and non-profit organisations focused on environmental advocacy. For those interested in academia, the degree provides the necessary background for research positions at universities and scientific institutions. Additionally, graduates frequently pursue further education in fields such as engineering, law, teaching, public health, and professional science programmes.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Remote Sensing of the Environment

Elements of Field Geology

Hydrology

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Statistics and Data Analysis in the Geosciences

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Practical Geochemistry

Geomorphology

Engineering Geology for Environmental Scientists

Groundwater

Glaciology

Structural Geology

Geographic Information Systems with Applications in Earth Sciences

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Earth Sciences View 446 other Bachelors in Earth Sciences in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Earth Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners