Overview

The Earth Science programme at Iowa State University provides students with a deep understanding of the complex interactions between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and human activity. This bachelor degree focuses on the driving forces behind changes in the Earth system across various temporal and spatial scales. Students develop professional expertise through a combination of rigorous classroom instruction and practical field experiences.

Why Earth Science at Iowa State University?

Students benefit from a close-knit academic community and access to cutting-edge facilities within the Department of the Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate. A significant highlight of the programme is the opportunity to attend a multi-week field course at the university's dedicated Geology Field Station in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming. This immersive experience allows for real-world application of geological principles in a unique natural setting.

The university also provides substantial financial support through the LAS Dean’s High Impact Awards for Undergraduate Research and specific Geology Undergraduate Research Grants. These initiatives allow students to engage in professional research projects, often serving as paid campus employment. Mentorship from expert faculty ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the technical demands of the modern environmental sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15293 per semester
National fee: USD 14289 per semester
Local fee: USD 4765 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide technical proficiency in mapping, sample collection, and environmental monitoring. Modules may include:

Earth System
Environmental Assessment
Data Analysis
Mapping
Geology
Climate Science
Meteorology
Hydrogeology

Careers with Earth Science

Graduates from this programme are equipped for diverse roles within state government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private environmental firms. The scientific and technical training supports careers focused on natural resource management, regulatory compliance, and site monitoring. Common career paths for graduates include:

Environmental Consultant
Hydrogeologist
Environmental Policy Analyst
Conservation Scientist
Geochemist
Earth Science Educator
Environmental Scientist

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences provides dedicated career services to help students transition into professional roles. Alumni from the programme hold leadership positions across Iowa and the wider region, providing a robust network for new graduates entering the workforce.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

How the Earth Works

Mineralogy and Earth Materials

Geological Mapping and Field Methods

Calculus

Sedimentary Geology

The Sky and the Solar System

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Iowa State operates on rolling admission. We strongly recommend that you apply at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Earth Sciences View 442 other Bachelors in Earth Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3

Cumulative GPA x 30

Number of years of high school core courses x 5

RAI (Regent Admission Index)

SAT scores will be converted to their ACT composite equivalents for this calculation.

High school GPA is expressed on a 4-point scale (you can use our GPA calculator to convert your GPA if it's not on a 4.0 scale).

The number of core high school courses is measured in years or fractions of years.

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

30586 USD / year

≈ 30586 USD / year
Out-of-State

28578 USD / year

≈ 28578 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9530 USD / year

≈ 9530 USD / year

Living costs

Ames

United States

1158 - 1797 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

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

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

Ames

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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