Earth and Environmental Sciences majors study the geologic, hydrologic, atmospheric, and biotic systems that make up our dynamic Earth, emphasizing local and global interactions between these systems in the present and over deep time. The major is well-suited for students interested in the natural world, and provides ample opportunities for hands-on learning and research, including faculty research, field-based courses, Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory, Lakeside Laboratory, and numerous multi-day field trips. You can learn more about this and other environmental-focused programs from the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability.
Review the responsibilities required to become and remain eligible for the 2 Plus 2 Guaranteed Graduation Plan.
- Complete the World Language requirement through one of the following pathways. The requirement may be satisfied through high school coursework:
- Fourth level of a single world language
- Third level plus a world language and cultural exploration course
- Second level of two languages
- Complete the following chemistry courses:
- CHM 160 Chemistry I and CHM 161 Chemistry I Lab
- CHM 170 Chemistry II and CHM 171 Chemistry II Lab
- In consultation with an advisor, select 10 semester hours of college-level mathematics as suggested by math placement, including computer science and statistics, from the following:
- MAT 128 Precalculus
- MAT 140 Finite Mathematics
- MAT 156 Statistics
- MAT 210 Calculus I
- MAT 216 Calculus II
- MAT 219 Calculus III
- BUS 211 Business Statistics
- BUS 214 Statistics for Business and Economics
- Complete both of the following:
- PHS 170 Physical Geology
- PHS 171 Physical Geology Lab
- Complete all requirements for the AA degree.
- When transferring to Iowa, present a cumulative transfer grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 from all colleges attended.
- Complete the UI courses required for this major, as specified in the UI General Catalog.
- Complete at least half of the remaining semester hours needed for your major and degree during each of your two years at Iowa. (A total of 35 semester hours is required for the geoscience major and 120 semester hours for the BA degree.)
A current schedule of UI courses is available online via Iowa Student Information Services (MyUI).