Overview
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. The major is ideal for students seeking a fundamental understanding of geosciences and the flexibility to pursue intensive study in other disciplines.
Fast Facts
- A majority of courses integrate a fieldwork component
- Tigers perform research with faculty who are active scholars
- Most Tigers who pursue graduate work receive full financial support
What You'll Study
Explore complex systems, cycles and processes
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Program Curriculum
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Refer to the Courses of Study Bulletin for full program requirements.
Suggested Geosciences degree plans
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Search for Classes
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Use Search for Sections in TigerPAWS for the most current class offering information.
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Courses of Study Bulletin
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Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must fulfill the requirements for a major as listed in the courses of study bulletin. The courses of study bulletin is the official source of information regarding degree requirements, academic policies, and academic majors and minors at Trinity University.
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Pathways Curriculum
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Students must complete the Pathways Curriculum in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. The Pathways Curriculum has six curricular requirements, and three optional elements that provide the foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all the bachelor’s degrees awarded by Trinity University. Through these requirements, students acquire the necessary skills and disciplinary perspectives to navigate complex questions at Trinity and in their post-graduate lives.
Global Climate Change
Delve into the present and future impacts of climate change on natural systems and human activities, and investigate potential viable solutions.
Earth's Environmental Systems
Examine the interaction of the Earth's natural systems and the role that humans play in determining the evolution of those systems.
Environmental Geochemistry
Investigate the geochemical processes that occur at or near the Earth's surface, and learn to apply these concepts to solve geologic and environmental problems.
View all courses
For more information and a description of each class please visit the COSB website.
Environmental Studies (Minor)
Pre-Law (Special Interest)
Education (Minor)
Mathematics (B.A.)
Mathematics (Minor)
Chemistry (B.A.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry (Minor)
Physics (B.A.)
Physics (B.S.)
Physics (Minor)
Faculty
Down to Earth experts in their Field
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Trinity faculty are active researchers who lead students beyond the classroom, acting as mentors to students and partnering with these Tigers on groundbreaking research that is published in tier-one journals. |
Student Opportunities
Explore at all levels
Learning happens both in and outside the classroom. Geoscience students can join organizations on-campus or venture off-campus for research and internship opportunities.
Geoscience students are eligible for financial assistance from a range of internal and external sources.
Departmental Honors are awarded at graduation, by a vote of department faculty, to students whose activities and achievements in Geosciences are...
Geosciences students take advantage of a wide range of research opportunities and are encouraged to take advantage of the many internships and...
Geosciences students can engage in the fascinating geology of Iceland and China, and Tigers also can study abroad as part of geoscience coursework...
Students have access to state-of-the-art faculty laboratories, computer workstations with specialized geoscience software, an Augmented Reality...
The Geology Club is for students who share an interest in geology and want to extend their knowledge to others within the Trinity University and San...
Tinker Fund Outstanding Senior Award, Ed Roy Outstanding Research Award, Field Camp Award
When You Graduate
Find Your Sustainable Future
Trinity graduates have a versatile, expansive background in both science and policy. They apply this to a wide range of postgraduate opportunities, such as graduate or professional studies in medical school, law school, education, and archaeological and museum studies.
“I love geology because it’s the story of how the earth was created—how it evolved. And at Trinity, we learned in the real world. We’d take trips to field sites in Colorado, the Guadalupe Mountains, and West Texas. All of the time you learn social skills, and you learn how to work as a team.”
“In every Trinity class we were expected to present and defend our ideas, whether it was through written papers or class presentations,” says Schwed. “That translates nicely into my collaborative work environment today where I constantly have to express my technical work and defend it.”
Through film, Scott Tinker ’82 and son Derek Tinker ’14 can show you a powerless world: one with no cell phones, electricity, or even running water.
But the Tinkers don’t dabble in fictional dystopia—this is real life for billions of people across the globe who still live in energy poverty.
Careers
Graduates enter a series of expanding career fields, particularly in energy resources, environmental consulting, and computer science. Others choose careers in government, non-profits, consulting, teaching, engineering, and research.
Graduate Schools or Programs:
- Law School
- Medical School
Career Areas:
- Computer Science
- Energy Resources
- Environmental Consulting
Notable Companies who have Hired Trinity Graduates:
- ExxonMobil
- TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)
- USAA
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Take the next step
Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.