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Earth System Science
An Interdisciplinary Program


Wiesje Mooiweer and Jennifer Mercer in Antarctica
Wiesje Mooiweer and Jennifer Mercer in Antarctica

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 a new 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, or Soil Science (more concentrations are being developed). Quantitative and scientific rigor ensure that graduates will be prepared for graduate studies or jobs in their chosen area of Concentration.

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