Undergraduate Studies

 

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Vanderbilt offers an undergraduate major leading to the B.A. degree. Students may complete additional course work to attain an Honors degree.

Students in EES participate in field and laboratory work as an important part of their studies. The relatively small size of the faculty and student body allows many opportunities for faculty-student interactions. Most students undertake individualized research projects in conjunction with ongoing faculty projects. Students use the major as preparation for graduate studies in the Earth and environmental sciences or related fields, for careers in environmental studies and management, geological assessment and resource exploration (e.g. petroleum, minerals), or in fields such as land-use planning, teaching, law and engineering.

Employment opportunities in the Earth and environmental sciences are outstanding (predicted increase in employment double national average through 2016; starting salaries highest among the sciences).  Career satisfaction for those employed in geoscience fields consistently ranks near the top in national surveys.  Our students get great jobs as well as pursue advanced degrees at the very best schools in the World.

Special Features of Undergraduate Studies in Earth & Environmental Sciences
Small class sizes above the 100/101 level	Opportunities for conducting independent studies and undergraduate research
Personal contact with all faculty members	Nationally-acclaimed reputation for graduating well-prepared students
Opportunities for field work, including class and departmental field trips, undergraduate research, and credit for summer field courses in the western U.S., South America, Europe, Australia, Iceland, and New Zealand