Earth Science is an all-embracing term for the multiple sciences related to the planet Earth. The B.A. degree in Geology with a major in Earth Science is designed to integrate all the Earth sciences in a systems approach to understanding the Earth. This includes incorporating and integrating subjects such as oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. The emphasis is on the preparation of individuals to work in a wide range of professional public sector service careers where preparation in Earth science and communication of science to non-scientific audiences is a requirement or an asset. This includes the preparation of Earth science teachers.

The Geology, BA program aims to provide students with both high-quality conceptual knowledge and hands-on training in geology in preparation for careers within the earth-science field or for graduate studies in geology.

Geology is the study of the Earth and how it works. Specifically, geologists seek to answer questions as diverse as, How did this mountain form? and When will this volcano erupt again? to How do we provide clean drinking water? Geologists work at the interface between human-kind and the Earth, and are on the front line in solving a multitude of energy and environmental issues. Geologists use knowledge of math, chemistry, physics, and biology to answer these questions and gain first-hand experience working in the field. Graduates are employed by governments, oil and mining companies, and environmental firms.

The BA chelor of Arts program is designed primarily for the liberal arts student who has an interest in careers in Geoscience education or environmental policy and law. A student who elects the BA program and decides to pursue the geology profession or attend graduate school will need at least field geology in his/her program. This degree emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s structure, materials, processes, and history. The intent of a Geology BA chelor’s degree is to provide students with a strong foundation in geology and the skills necessary to pursue various career paths within the geosciences, including environmental consulting, natural resource exploration, geological surveys, research, or further studies at the graduate level.

The Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) program, formerly Geology and Geophysics, prepares students for the application of scientific principles and methods to the understanding of the Earth system and other planets. Subjects range from the history of Earth and life to present-day environmental processes and climate change, the deep interiors of Earth and other planets, tectonic plates, oceans, atmospheres, climates, land surface, natural resources, and biota. The emphasis of the curriculum is on employing basic principles from the core sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology) to further an understanding of Earth’s past and present, and addressing issues relating to its future. Students gain a broad background in the natural sciences, and select a specific track to focus their work on planetary or environmental phenomena of particular interest.

Do you want to explore the natural world and solve global problems? Applied geosciences involve interactions between humans and the environment and include mineral resources such as oil and water, geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions, river restoration and understanding climate change. Geologists have the opportunity to impact the health of the planet and its inhabitants through interdisciplinary work in a variety of satisfying careers.

As a geology student at Hanover, you will develop your scientific reasoning through discoveries in the classroom and in the field. Geology studies are supported by a wide range of hands-on experiences that make learning come to life.

The B.A. in Natural Sciences Earth Science Option serves to establish subject matter competency through coursework as approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), which waives the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET), and streamlines the process for students to enter the Single Subject Teaching Credential program in Science.

The Bachelor of Arts major in geology requires 36 credits in geology and ancillary sciences. It is a good choice for broadly exploring the liberal arts and want a general liberal arts degree.

The Bachelor of Arts in Geology provides a foundation in geology for students who are not planning a career as a geologist. This program provides a basis for science-related careers, such as environmental law, pre-college teaching, science journalism, and resource management and marketing. Graduates will supplement their curriculum in geology with a minor designed around their career goals. The minor requires a minimum of 15 credit hours in one discipline, to be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with a planet! The science of geology deals with the non-living (mostly) part of the planet. Our focus is on natural resources (oil, groundwater and minerals), earth history (fossils, climate change, mountain building) and earth processes (from volcanoes, earthquakes and glaciers to ancient sea beds, minerals and the earth's interior).

Students who discover in themselves a sense of excitement about the environment, mountains, climate change, volcanoes, fossils, rivers, and earthquakes will find a good home in the Carleton College Geology Department.

Earth System Science draws on chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and applied sciences in an effort to understand the chemical, physical, biological and human influences on our planet.