Earth, Environmental
and Planetary Sciences

O-Week 2020

Learn more about Rice's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences from Department Chair Cin-Ty Lee and listen to welcome messages from faculty members Sylvia Dee and Kirsten Siebach.

Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences majors bring together the fields of data science, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology to learn how every part of the Earth — from the core to the crust, atmosphere, oceans and life — interacts in time and space to build the habitable planet on which we live. We use our understanding of complex natural systems to investigate how mountains form, how volcanoes and earthquakes develop, how our natural resources form (energy, water, soils and minerals), and how climate and the environment evolve through time.

Using methodologies that range from laboratory, theory, data science, and computer modeling to field work, the skills Earth scientists gain make them uniquely poised to advise on some of the most pressing problems of environment and energy facing society today.

The BS major offers three areas of specialization: Geoscience, Environmental Science and Planetary Science. Compared to the BS major, the BA provides greater flexibility of course choices.

Degrees Offered

Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences BS, BA, Minor

ESCI 110: The Earth System, Environment and Society Brochure

ESCI 111: Inhabiting Planet Earth Brochure

ESCI 114: Discoveries in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences Brochure