Earth and Planetary Science

What opportunities exist in the department for beyond the classroom learning (internships, research, field work, etc.)?

Many of our students undertake independent research projects with faculty members, and are eligible for alumni-supported grants to pay for lab and field expenses. We also host RU Aresty funded undergrad researchers in faculty labs. Over 80% of students complete a geology field camp, with field expenses subsidized by alumni donations. Students have participated in summer internship programs at NASA, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. The department encourages all students interested in gaining research, field, and/or laboratory experience to contact the Undergraduate Program Director to ask about potential opportunities. Undergraduate student research opportunities in the department are posted online.

Is there a departmental Honors track or program?

Yes, senior honor thesis research.

Major Tracks in Earth and Planetary Sciences

Majors in our department choose from 4 different major tracks based on their academic interests and career goals. All students must complete the Introductory to Geology (01:460:101) with a C or better grade before being admitted into the major. EPS students should meet with the Undergraduate Program Director after admittance into the major to discuss which track is the best fit for them.

• Geological Sciences Option
  • This is the standard track in EPS where students take all the traditional courses in Geological Sciences. Students wishing to enter geology focused careers or graduate school should consider this track. Graduates of this program will receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree upon graduation
• Environmental Geology Option
  • This major track requires more environmental science courses and is recommended to students wishing to be employed in the environmental field careers or environmental science based graduate programs. Graduates of this program will receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree upon graduation
• Planetary Science Option
  • Students in this major track will take additional courses that focus on planetary geology, chemistry, and physics in addition to several core geological science courses. This track is recommended for students wishing to work in the planetary science field. Graduates of this program will receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree upon graduation
• General Option
  • The General Option track is a less intensive science track, with fewer credits required in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. This track is intended for students wishing to study EPS but who are planning on entering non-STEM related careers after graduation (i.e. education, law, medicine, journalism, etc.). Graduates of this program will receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree upon graduation
• Minor in Earth in Planetary Sciences
  • Students minoring in EPS can pick the core courses and electives they are most interested in to create a minor track that is perfect for them. Environmental, planetary, and general geology based courses are open to all minors to complete their program requirements.
• Minor in Astrobiology
  • Enroll in this new and exciting program to learn about the interdisciplinary study of the origin of life, the past history of life on Earth, and the possible existence of life on other planets and moons in the universe.

Please provide information on the careers obtained by recent graduates:

Our students are well placed in the job market, and have found employment with the environmental sector (~40%), the energy/mineral industry (~16%), federal and state governments (~15%), graduate studies (~9%), NGOs (4%) and science teachers (3%).

We feature a representative selection of our alums at https://eps.rutgers.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/prospective-students. Click on their photos or names to see details. When you reload the page, different alums will be featured.