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JMU Major: Earth Science

Description of the Major | Degrees Offered | Concentrations | Minors |
Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major

Description of the Major

The major is a part of the Department of Geology and Environmental Science, an academic unit within the College of Science and Mathematics.

The Earth Science major is designed to integrate all the earth sciences in a systems approach to understanding the earth. This includes incorporating and integrating subjects such as oceanography, meteorology and astronomy in conjunction with geology content. The emphasis is on the preparation of individuals to work and/or continue study in a wide range of professional public sector service careers where preparation in earth science and communication of science to nonscientific audiences is a requirement or an asset. These careers include earth science teaching, environmental law and public administration. As an earth science major, students will have the opportunity to engage in original research with a diverse and active faculty.

Degrees Offered






Declaring the Major

New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Students should declare the Earth Science major when they register for orientation.

Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Students should submit a "Change or Declaration of Major" form to the geology department head in Memorial Hall, room 7125.

Progressing in the Major
