Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science

The B.A. in Earth Science is similar to the B.S. degrees, but allows more flexibility in upper-division Earth Science courses and requires slightly fewer credits. As a B.A. student, you'll be required to take the same pre-major requirements in math, chemistry, physics and introductory Earth Science, and four core upper division courses on field methods (104A), Earth's climate (105), mineralogy (114), and data analysis (134). In addition, students take courses on optical mineralogy and analytical methods (115), sedimentation and stratigraphy (122), and choose 18 units of upper division Earth Science electives. Students are generally encouraged to choose one of the B.S. emphases within the Earth Science major, however, the B.A. is an option for students who want more flexibility within the major or to design a degree that crosses over multiple emphases.

The Department of Earth Science at UCSB conducts many field studies in geographic areas ranging from the tallest mountain peaks of the Himalayas, the wilderness of Antarctica, to the vast undiscovered depths of the ocean floor. Our graduate and undergraduate students participate directly in the excitement of exploring unknown terra incognita. Taught by a distinguished and dedicated faculty (including several members of the National Academy of Sciences and winners of the UCSB Distinguished Teaching Award), students in Earth Science experience the wonder of discovery and come to appreciate and connect to the unfolding planetary drama of which they are part. Because Earth Science students acquire such diverse tools and skills in mapping, analyzing, visualizing, computing, and problem-solving, they are well-prepared for a broad range of careers in the private sector, government, K-12 education, academia, and the industry.

Demonstrate English Proficiency By:
Score 24 or higher on the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
Score 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT
Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
Score 6 or 7 on an IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only)
Score 5, 6 or 7 on an IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only)
Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* examination:
Internet-based test (iBT) or iBT Home Edition or iBT Paper Edition: Minimum score of 80 or better