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Earth and Space Sciences - Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for undergraduates who wish to study earth sciences as a background for other careers, such as teaching, science journalism, environmental law or policy.

Note: the Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students interested in coursework in geology and geophysics, and a career path in graduate studies or the private sector where field and technology experiences and problem-solving skills will be an important asset.

Degree Worksheets

BA Option - PDF Document
BA Option - Word Document

B.A. Requirements

Supporting Science (30 Credits)

  • Required Courses (20 credits):
    • CHEM 142
    • QSCI 291, 292 or MATH 124,125
    • PHYS 114/117 or 121
  • Elective Courses (10 credits) from this list:
    • AMATH 301
    • ASTR 101, 102 or 301; 115, 150; 201
    • ATMS 101, 111, 211, 212
    • BIOL 161, 162, 180, 200, 220, 240
    • CHEM 152, 162, 220, 221
    • CSE 142, 143
    • ESRM 210, 250
    • GEOG 360
    • MATH 126 or ESS 310
    • OCEAN 101, 200, 201, 210
    • PHYS 115/118 or 122; PHYS 116/119 or 123
    • QSCI 381
    • STAT 180, 220, 290, 311

Note: ASTR 101 or 102, 150 required for endorsement in earth & space sciences for UW's Secondary Master in Teaching Program.

ESS Courses (43-45 Credits)

  • ESS Required Courses* (18-20 credits):
    • Two of ESS 211, 212, 213
    • One more course from ESS 211-213 above or ESS 201, 205, 210
    • One of ESS 311, 312, 313, 314, 316
  • ESS Electives (25 credits):
    • 25 upper-division credits [300-level courses, 400-level courses numbered 400 to 488, or approved ESS 490 courses (see Time Schedule)]. At least 10 credits must be in 400-level ESS courses.
    • Extra courses from ESS 311, 312, 313, 314, 316 not taken as a required course above may also apply here.
    • Additional courses from concentration area may count towards ESS 300- and 400-level electives with approval of Associate Chair for the Undergraduate Program.
  • Concentration (15 Credits)
    • 15 credits from one concentration (either Science Communication, Business, Education, Law and Policy, or Interdisciplinary Science). See degree worksheet for approved courses. Any courses not listed require pre-approval by ESS Advising.

*2.0 grade required in prerequisites for all ESS core courses. See individual course prerequisites for additional grade requirements.

NOTE: Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in all ESS-prefixed courses required. Requirements for students who declared the ESS major prior to Summer 2019 may differ; please see ESS Advising if you have any questions.

FAQs for Prospective Students
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