Earth and Space Science is an interdisciplinary field which works to advance humanity’s understanding of the Earth and the wider universe.  Students are provided with a solid foundation in space and earth systems and processes (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere), as well as the impacts humans have on these systems, both past and present. All four tracks in ESS combine classroom, laboratory, and field experiences, as well as provide opportunities for mentored research projects and hands-on learning experiences.

Geology encompasses the study of minerals, rocks, ancient life and Earth history, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, coastal erosion, tsunami, mountain belts, economic resources, landslides, environmental pollution and water resources. Geologists are among the primary workers engaged in studying and protecting Earth's environment.

Students in the B.S. Earth and Space Sciences-Geology track take fundamental coursework in the fields of mineralogy and petrology, structural geology and tectonics, hydrology and geochemistry, paleontology, paleoclimate, and environmental geology. Most courses include a laboratory, and many include a field component. In preparation for upper level geology coursework, students take one year of chemistry and physics courses, as well as calculus. Interested students may have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research with geology faculty. The geology concentration prepares students for entry into a graduate program, or professional careers in the earth and environmental sciences following graduation.

Careers in geology (geoscience) are as diverse as the field itself. While some geology students transition into the traditional fields of mineral-energy exploration or monitoring-mitigation of natural hazards (e.g., volcanoes, earthquakes, flooding, landslides), many ESS geology students go on to work in the fields of environmental regulation, protection, and cleanup, where they safeguard our soil and water resources. While salaries in the fields of energy and mineral exploration are the most lucrative, geoscientists working as hydrologists and environmental specialists/technicians/scientists earn salaries well above the median pay for most other occupations. In addition to higher than average salaries, geoscientists also benefit from a strong job market, with the fields of geoscience, hydrology, and environmental science consistently ranked among the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. economy by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As such, ESS geology students tend to quickly find employment following graduation.

For students interested in careers as scientific researchers, the geology track of the BS ESS program is highly successful at getting interested students into M.S. and Ph.D. programs. Numerous BS ESS geology alumni have gone on to earn degrees from some of the top ranked earth science programs in the country. Regardless of career interests, ESS faculty work closely with undergraduate and graduate geology students to help guide them into employment or graduate school as they complete their degrees.