Earth & Space Sciences
College of the Environment
The Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences is designed for students interested in geology and geophysics, and a career path in graduate studies or in the private sector where field and technology experiences and problem-solving skills are an important asset. Students pursuing the B.S. in Earth and Space Sciences choose from one of four options: Geology, Biology, Physics or Environmental Earth Sciences. The Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Sciences enables students to obtain a broad understanding of earth sciences as a background for professional careers such as science journalism, environmental law, science education and environmental policy.
Major category: Open
Curricular options: B.A., B.S. Biology, B.S. Geology, B.S. Physics, B.S. Geoscience
Topic(s): Computing, Engineering option, Natural and environmental sciences
websiteDegree requirements
Applicant type
Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).
Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring / summer
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
- Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
- Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
- Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
- UW college and school graduation requirements
Department admission information
Departmental application deadline: Students in good academic standing may declare the major at any time, including on their application for admission to the UW.
Please contact the department for details about the application process.
Although admission is open, students are strongly encouraged to prepare for the major before transfer. Earth and Space Sciences offers several major options. For specific advice about which courses are best suited to which options, please contact Earth and Space Sciences Student Services.
To become a major, contact essadv@uw.edu for an advising appointment. Find more information on the Earth and Space Sciences website.
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses recommended for the major:
Courses recommended for admission to Bachelor of Arts
One of the following sequences:
- Q SCI 291 NSc RSN – Analysis for Biologists I , Q SCI 292 NSc RSN – Analysis for Biologists II
- MATH 124 NSc RSN – Calculus Analytic Geometry I, MATH 125 NSc – Calculus Analytic Geometry II
One of the following courses:
- PHYS 114 NSc RSN – General Physics, PHYS 117 NSc – General Physics Laboratory
- PHYS 121 NSc RSN – Mechanics 1
- CHEM 142 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
- ESS 101 NSc – Introduction to Geology and Societal Impacts
Courses recommended for admission to Bachelor of Science
- ESS 101 NSc – Introduction to Geology and Societal Impacts
- CHEM 142 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
- CHEM 152 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
- MATH 124 NSc RSN – Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 125 NSc – Calculus with Analytic Geometry II
- MATH 126 NSc – Calculus with Analytic Geometry III
- PHYS 121 NSc – Mechanics 2
- PHYS 122 NSc – Electromagnetism 2
- PHYS 123 NSc – Waves, Light, and Heat 2
One of the following courses:
- MATH 307 NSc – Introduction to Differential Equations
- MATH 308 NSc – Matrix Algebra with Applications
- STAT 311 NSc RSN – Elements of Statistical Methods
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 167
Total from Washington community colleges: 22