Undergraduate Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Degree Overview

Georgia Tech’s undergraduate EAS degree program uniquely integrates programs in environmental science, meteorology, and solid Earth science. Our program has key benefits: 

  • Flexible degree options. Customized degrees to fit your specific interests and career goals. 
  • Rigorous quantitative and computational experience. Preparation for scientific careers in industry and academia.
  • Undergraduate internship and research opportunities. A chance to travel the world and earn credits while undertaking projects at prestigious organizations, such as the National Weather Service, CNN, NASA-JPL, and participating in international field research campaigns.

As an EAS major, you will develop basic foundations in Earth, planetary, and atmospheric sciences, and will develop an emphasis in either meteorology, environmental sciences, or Earth sciences. 

You will develop a strong understanding of the Earth beneath our feet, the planets above us, the oceans that surround us, and the atmospheric processes that affect our weather and climate.

 

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Degree Concentrations and Options


Concentrations

Customize your curriculum to match your specific interests and career plans.

The EAS undergraduate bachelor’s degree offers three concentrations:

 
Options

Increase your competitiveness for jobs and graduate school by adding a designation to your degree.

  • Pursue an in-depth, long-term research experience that culminates in an Undergraduate Thesis. Learn more about the Research Option.
  • Prepare for a global career. Learn more about the International Plan.
  • Build a business perspective into your degree. Learn about the Business Option.
  • Get a leg up on becoming a scientist. Learn about our five-year B.S./M.S. Program.


B.S. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Requirements

The Bachelor’s in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences degree program requirements include general core classes; technical courses that provide a strong background in mathematics; technical electives to explore areas in greater depth; courses involving undergraduate research, and free electives. View suggested eight-semester schedules.

 
Course Highlights
  • Habitable Planet: An introductory course describing planetary formation processes, the development of habitability, and major events through time. 
  • Meteorological Analysis: Work with industry experts to analyze weather data and create real-time forecasts.
  • Environmental Field Methods: Field-based observations with modern tools, techniques, and data analysis, for societal context.
  • Energy, Environment, and Society: An interdisciplinary project-based course blending current events, guest speakers, and discussion about 21st century energy issues.

View all of the B.S. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences requirements and course descriptions


Rankings and Awards

Georgia Tech’s School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences faculty members are frequently recognized for their outstanding contributions to their fields. This includes:

  • 13 fellowships in national and international professional societies.
  • 17 Young Investigator and Early Career Awards.
  • 46 awards from professional societies and national or international agencies.

See the full list of research awards

What Can I Do with a Degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences?

The undergraduate EAS program prepares students for graduate study or immediate employment in fields such as:

  • Meteorology.
  • Air Quality.
  • Environmental Chemistry.
  • Exploration Geophysics.
  • Geologic Hazards.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment.
  • Oceanography.
  • Climate Science.
  • Planetary Science.

 

What Are Georgia Tech Graduates Doing Now?

  • Broadcast Meteorologist.
  • ​Environmental Scientist.
  • Geophysicist.
  • Air Quality and Climate Change Planner.
  • High School Science Teacher.
  • Water Resource Specialist.
  • International Environmental Protection Specialist.
  • Assistant Professor.
  • Research Technologist

Meet School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences alumni

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Research Opportunities

Participating in research is a very exciting part of your undergraduate experience and is highly encouraged.


Beyond the Classroom


Stories from the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

"Colleen Coyle Broadcast Meteorologist"

Making Connections and Finding Opportunities

"David D'Onofrio Air Quality and Climate Change Planner"

Bridging the Divide Between Public Administration and the Environment

"Xinyi (Camilla) Liu is a 3rd year senior EAS undergraduate major with a minor in German"

Undergraduate Researcher of Landscape and Early Life Evolution

"Jennifer Glass in her lab at Georgia Tech. She is holding a stromatolitic ironstone full of iron that rusted out of early oceans"

Laughing Gas May Have Helped Warm Early Earth and Given Breath to Life

 

 

Related Degrees

Related Websites

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