Overview

The Earth System Science program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) provides students with a fundamental understanding of the oceanographic, atmospheric, and terrestrial sciences. This program of study prepares students for careers in science, research, or technical fields. Students learn to apply basic sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology) to understand the major processes and systems governing the Earth’s climate, biogeochemical cycles, and global change. Central to the B.S. program is an understanding of relevant scientific literature, methods to collect/analyze data, and interpret results in the context of scientific theory. Students will learn to work collaboratively to understand and address complex problems and communicate scientific knowledge.

Through the core course work, students will learn to explain the current and projected future state of the Earth system in the context of past climate change and current human activities. Once the core course work is complete, students are encouraged to focus on a particular area within Earth System Science and to choose electives that build a coherent core of knowledge. Focus areas include but are not limited to climatology, biogeochemical cycles, oceanography, hydrology, terrestrial sciences, and atmospheric sciences. Optional specializations are available in Atmospheric Science, Hydrology and Terrestrial Ecosystems, and Oceanography.

Career Opportunities

Some students go on to graduate school in physical sciences, engineering, or related areas. Others begin careers as research scientists in academic, public, or private institutions (may require a graduate-level degree). Options that may be available are scientist positions in the following roles: environmental policy and planning, environmental consulting, air quality monitoring and assessment, laboratory analysis, scientific research, science education, natural resource management, wildlife management, conservation and environmental protection, and water resource management.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Oceanography

The Atmosphere

Land Interactions

Ocean Biogeochemistry

Earth's Atmosphere

Environmental Data Science

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-07-31 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

Duolingo English Test

115

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Earth Sciences Hydrology & Water Management Climate Studies & Meteorology View 133 other Bachelors in Climate Studies & Meteorology in United States

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Schedule an IELTS test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of California, Irvine (UCI) and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “a-g” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.

UCI will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. After enrollment, exams may be used for class placement or some graduation requirements.

Personal Insight Questions (your personal insight questions should be exactly that – personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, what matters to you, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations. Key points about the personal insight questions include: freshman applicants choose four out of eight questions to answer, each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.)

English proficiency requirements

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

47346 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 47346 USD per year during 48 months.
National

47346 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 47346 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

13146 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13146 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Irvine

1560 - 2585 USD /month

Living costs

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 System Science.

Available Scholarships

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

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