Earth and Environmental Science
The Earth and Environmental Science Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Earth systems, environmental processes, and the interactions between human activities and natural environments. The curriculum integrates geology, ecology, environmental policy, climate science, and geospatial analysis, enabling students to investigate environmental challenges, assess ecosystem dynamics, and develop sustainable solutions. Students engage in field studies, laboratory research, and data analysis, acquiring the skills necessary to understand and address complex environmental issues on local, regional, and global scales.
Throughout the program, students participate in collaborative projects, hands-on laboratory work, and applied research guided by faculty with expertise in earth sciences and environmental studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, allowing graduates to integrate ecological, geological, and societal perspectives in environmental decision-making. Students leave the program with research proficiency, analytical insight, technical skills, and environmental literacy, fully prepared to pursue careers or advanced studies in environmental science, sustainability, policy, or geoscience.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Earth and Environmental Science
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Earth Sciences
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Earth and Environmental Science
- Introduction to Earth Systems and Geology
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- General Chemistry and Laboratory Techniques
- Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis
Year 2 – Intermediate Study and Environmental Analysis
- Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics
- Physical Geology and Earth Materials
- Environmental Policy and Resource Management
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Year 3 – Advanced Topics and Fieldwork
- Climate Science and Atmospheric Processes
- Geophysics and Earth Observation
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management
- Elective: Hydrology, Soil Science, or Environmental Chemistry
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Field Studies and Applied Environmental Research
- Seminar in Contemporary Environmental Challenges
- Professional Portfolio Development
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Earth and Environmental Science program are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, natural resource management, climate research, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and geoscience research. Alumni may work as environmental analysts, sustainability coordinators, geologists, or pursue graduate studies in environmental science, policy, geology, or climate studies. The program equips graduates to analyze complex environmental data, evaluate ecological and societal impacts, and implement sustainable solutions. With strong research, analytical, and technical skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic settings focused on environmental stewardship, policy, and scientific innovation.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of earth system science, environmental analysis, research methodology, and applied sustainability practice within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, fieldwork opportunities, and hands-on projects that connect scientific theory with practical environmental problem-solving. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary reasoning, and effective communication, preparing graduates to assess environmental challenges, design sustainable strategies, and contribute meaningfully to research, policy, and resource management. For students passionate about understanding Earth systems, addressing environmental issues, and applying scientific knowledge to improve sustainability, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
