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Frequently Asked Questions

We live on one planet, a habitat that becomes more and more complex and interactive the more we learn about it. How does a forest affect the earth, water, air, and human activity? How do the oceans affect the growth of wheat? Will global warming bring droughts or more hurricanes?

These questions and many more are addressed by an interdisciplinary BS degree at UW, Earth System Science (ESS), which will provide an integrated approach to pressing issues of global environmental change. Courses offered in the program examine interactions among components of the Earth system, including the anthrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

Each student majoring in ESS will declare a Concentration in one of the following areas: Anthropology, Atmospheric Science, Biology, Botany^(*), Geography, Geology and Geophysics, Soil Science or Secondary Education ((*)the Botany concentration is being eliminated due to changes in the Botany curriculum)).

Quantitative and scientific rigor ensure that graduates will be prepared for graduate studies or jobs in their chosen area of Concentration. Please note that the Secondary Education major is ESSE (Earth Science Education with a concurrent major in Earth System Science). 

An internship provides hands-on experience in an ESS field, and the capstone course enables students to work closely with faculty members on current research issues.

Check into the details of the new major:

• At the ESS program office, contact and location information on the left.
• By looking around this website!
• By talking to an advisor in one of the areas of concentration:

Contact Us

Earth System Science
Robert D. Kelly, Director

6072 Engineering Department 3038
1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-4955
Fax: (307) 766-2635

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