Majors and Minors
Majors and Minors
Students in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences select one of four concentrations to obtain the BS degree in Geology and Environmental Studies. Additionally, the department offers 4 minors for students, regardless of their major degree. Students interested in pursuing a degree in one of our majors, minors, or honors programs are strongly encouraged to reach out to the respective advisors for each program. Program advisors can assist students with course selection and career preparation.
Geology and Environmental Studies Major, BS
Environmental Studies Concentration
The Environmental Studies concentration curriculum draws on the interconnections among biological sciences, Earth sciences, and social sciences with a focus on sustainability and environmental quality. Students can choose from among many courses of interest across a broad range of fields.
Environmental studies graduates will be prepared to enter a variety of fields in the environmental sciences, public sector, and private sector, or to pursue graduate education.
Geology Concentration
The Geology concentration emphasizes the fundamental physical, chemical, and biological processes on and in the Earth. Graduates will find that it provides a path to private and public employment in a variety of fields within the geosciences, and science education, as well as being excellent preparation for graduate school.
Planetary Geoscience Concentration
A concentration in Planetary Geoscience consists of 37 credit hours. This concentration is for undergraduate students who want to pursue a career in applying geoscience skills to extraterrestrial bodies. Students will gain a strong geoscience background with the flexibility to supplement with additional courses tailored to their specific interest in the planetary field (i.e., remote sensing, astrobiology, etc.). Students in this concentration will develop analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills they can put to work in careers in scientific research, planetary mission development and support, teaching, and related fields.
Water Science Concentration
Do you want to use science to address one of humanity’s greatest challenges? Water quality and quantity are of global importance. Humans cannot survive without access to clean and abundant water resources. Rapid changes in the coming decades will require graduates who have been prepared to face these specific challenges.
The Water Science concentration will provide a path to employment in water-related professions with private and public entities, as well as preparation for graduate education.
Geology and Environmental Studies Minors
Environmental Studies Minor
This minor consists of 15 hours. The Environmental Studies concentration curriculum draws on the interconnections among biological sciences, Earth sciences, and social sciences with a focus on sustainability and environmental quality. Students can choose from among many courses of interest across a broad range of fields.
Geology Minor
The minor in geology consists of 24 hours. The Geology concentration emphasizes the fundamental physical, chemical, and biological processes on and in the Earth.
Geochemistry Minor
A minor in Geochemistry consists of 23 credit hours. This minor is for undergraduate students who want to support their major with a general background in geosciences and a selection of courses that will expose them to the chemistry of Earth materials. Students in this minor will develop analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills they can put to work in careers in scientific research, teaching, environmental consulting, mining and minerals industries, government oversight, and related fields.
Solid Earth Advisor: Dan Hembree
Paleontology Minor
A minor in Paleontology consists of 24 hours. This minor is for undergraduate students who want a general background in geosciences and wish to develop analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to prepare them for successful careers in science, education, consulting, museums, government, and other related fields.
Honors Programs
Environmental Studies – Honors Concentration
Students who have completed five upper-division courses in either the Geology or Environmental Studies concentration and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 are encouraged to pursue an honors concentration. In addition to fulfilling all requirements for their preferred concentration, an honors concentration requires 3 hours of GEOL 491, GEOL 492, or GEOL 493; 3 hours of GEOL 497 during which students will complete written and oral presentation of thesis results; and an additional 9 hours of honors coursework (including honors-by-contract). A GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained throughout matriculation. Interested students should consult their academic advisor for details.
Geology – Honors Concentration
Students who have completed five upper-division courses in either the Geology or Environmental Studies concentration and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 are encouraged to pursue an honors concentration. In addition to fulfilling all requirements for their preferred concentration, an honors concentration requires 3 hours of GEOL 491, GEOL 492, or GEOL 493; 3 hours of GEOL 497 during which students will complete written and oral presentation of thesis results; and an additional 9 hours of honors coursework (including honors-by-contract). A GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained throughout matriculation. Interested students should consult their academic advisor for details.
How to apply
Are you interested in applying to The University of Tennessee and studying with us in the Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences department? Here’s an easy how-to:
- Register for a GoVols account OR apply via CommonApp
- Are you going to arrive as a first-year student? Here’s what you need to know.
- Are you a transfer student? Here’s what you need to know.
- Are you an international student? Here’s what you need to know.
When you begin registering for classes, tell your advisor you want to pursue classes in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. They will direct you to the appropriate course of study! If you want to browse our course now, feel free!
