There are abundant opportunities in the academic world. Many opportunities continue to grow for entrepreneurs who build companies specializing in resources, natural hazards, waste repositories and cleanup, and environmental impact. In addition to scientific career paths, an undergraduate degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences is an excellent background for continuing study in law, business, public administration, and medicine, and in certain fields, such as environmental law, it may be indispensable. The research environment of the department is an unparalleled resource for undergraduate education. Concentrators may work with faculty and graduate students on major research projects, as a research or field assistant, in the context of course work, or as part of an undergraduate research project.
Class sizes are small and student-professor contact is frequent and informal.
As a result of these contacts and regular informal afternoon teas, each graduating senior is personally acquainted with virtually every faculty member in the department. The honors program provides students with the opportunity to explore beyond the elementary level in one or more of the subspecialties of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Honors candidates are required to write a thesis, which may be based on field, laboratory, or theoretical research. Physics 11a and 11b, or 15a, 15b, 15c. Chemistry 5 and 7, or Chemistry 10.