Earth Sciences

Overview

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 The Earth Sciences programme from The Ohio State University, 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.

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 our bachelor of science 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.