USC Catalogue 2025-2026
Earth Sciences
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Return to: USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding our planet. From microscopic life forms to planetary systems, understanding tectonics and earth surface processes, oceans and atmosphere, hydrology and climate across human and geological time scales, the department fosters curiosity and scientific exploration. Teaching and research emphasize an integrative understanding of Earth’s systems, the processes shaping the environment, and the tools needed to decipher Earth’s history and predict its future.
Earth Sciences addresses critical societal challenges, including earthquake and tsunami risks, flash flooding and wildfire, climate change, environmental pollution and sustainable environmental management and carbon sequestration solutions. The department also explores life’s origins and adaptations, mass extinctions, biodiversity and its conservation, from charismatic megafauna to the microbiome. Subfields within the department include geophysics, geochemistry, geobiology, astrobiology, hydrology, structural geology, petrology, marine geology, sedimentology, oceanography, climate science, paleoceanography, tectonics and paleontology.
A Commitment to Education and Research
The Department of Earth Sciences integrates education and research, offering hands-on experiences through lab and fieldwork. Students at all levels benefit from small class sizes beyond the introductory level, fostering close mentorship with faculty. Instruction includes introductory courses for non-science majors, undergraduate courses tailored for Earth Sciences and other STEM disciplines, and advanced graduate-level classes.
Field trips play a vital role in the curriculum, providing real-world applications of classroom learning for both undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate research includes efforts that may take place anywhere in the world. Our faculty are involved in both individual research efforts and large collaborative efforts involving international programs, and both undergrads and graduate students may become involved in these research efforts, with rewarding opportunities for personal growth and contributions to scientific knowledge. The department hosts a prominent research center: the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC), whose mission is to develop and share cutting-edge earthquake system science to enhance California’s resilience and to educate and inspire future scientists. Interdisciplinary ties with programs in Marine Biology, Environmental Studies, Ocean Sciences, and other departments and schools (Viterbi School of Engineering, Keck School of Medicine, Price School of Public Policy, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism) across USC enrich the academic experience. Opportunities exist for collaboration with scientists and instrumentation available at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum. Both undergraduate and graduate students actively participate in research projects, presenting their findings at meetings including local workshops and international conferences.
Zumberge Hall of Science 117
(213) 740-6106
FAX: (213) 740-8801
Email: earthsci@dornsife.usc.edu
dornsife.usc.edu/earth
Chair: Frank Corsetti, PhD
Faculty
Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies and Professor of Earth Sciences and Marine and Environmental Biology: Karen G. Lloyd, PhD
University Professor, W.M. Keck Foundation Chair in Geological Sciences and Professor of Earth Sciences: Thomas H. Jordan, PhD
Dean’s Professor of Earth Sciences and Professor of Earth Sciences: John Vidale, PhD
Paxson H. Offield Professor in Coastal and Marine Systems: William M. Berelson, PhD
Professors: Yehuda Ben-Zion, PhD; David J. Bottjer, PhD*; Frank A. Corsetti, PhD*; James F. Dolan, PhD*; Ahmed Elbanna, PhD; Julien Emile-Geay, PhD; Sarah J. Feakins, PhD; Douglas E. Hammond, PhD*; Heidi Houston, PhD; Steven P. Lund, PhD*; James W. Moffett, PhD (Biological Sciences); John P. Platt, PhD*; Sergio Sanudo-Wilhelmy, PhD (Biological Sciences); Lowell D. Stott, PhD; A. Joshua West, PhD
Associate Professors: Sylvain Barbot, PhD; Seth John, PhD; Naomi Levine, PhD (Biological Sciences)
Assistant Professors: Noah J. Phillips, PhD; Caroline Seyler, PhD; Sam Silva, PhD
Associate Professors (Research): Roman Barco, PhD; David A. Okaya, PhD
Emeritus Professors: Gregory A. Davis, PhD; Teh-Lung Ku, PhD; Terence G. Langdon, PhD, DSc (Materials Science); Kenneth H. Nealson, PhD; Bernard W. Pipkin, PhD*; Charles G. Sammis, PhD*; Ta-liang Teng, PhD
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award
Undergraduate Degrees
Undergraduate Degrees and Career Preparation
The department offers BA, BS, MS and PhD degrees, catering to diverse career goals in Earth and environmental sciences. Undergraduate majors emphasize experiential learning through capstone courses and field training in locations such as Catalina Island, Greece, Spain, Alaska and South America. Graduates pursue successful careers in academic research, industry, government, environmental consulting and education. The BSc degree prepares students for careers in geoscience industries, government agencies and graduate study, as well as business, law, medicine, teaching and public policy. The BA degree is suitable for students interested in geoscience and related careers in business, law, medicine or public policy. Both degrees offer similar elective course work, but with additional technical and research for the BSc, as foundation for graduate degrees and some technical careers – our course work provides the necessary preparation, and analytical, research, and laboratory experience enhanced by a low studen- to-faculty ratio. The progressive masters allows for additional graduate-level course work and research. The PhD involves foundational graduate course work, teaching experience and a focus on in-depth research toward academic, industry, research and teaching careers. At the graduate level, and for undergraduate researchers, close ties with faculty provide opportunities to work with sophisticated instrumentation, interact with scientists from other institutions, and hone communication skills.
Minors
Three minors allow students to tailor their Earth Sciences education to their interests:
- Geohazards Minor : Explores natural hazards, global change and environmental challenges. Open to science and non-science majors.
- Geobiology Minor : Focuses on the intersection of Earth and biological sciences ideal for students with a major in biological sciences.
- Climate Change, Stewardship and Resiliency Minor : Designed for students interested in international relations, public policy, economics, business and politics. Open to science and non-science majors.
The department collaborates closely with the Dornsife Environmental Studies program, enabling double majors and major/minor combinations that integrate scientific and environmental perspectives.
Unique Opportunities and Resources
Southern California’s diverse geology provides an unparalleled setting for field-based learning, with convenient access to coastal, mountain and desert environments. Students benefit from workshops, marine research opportunities aboard oceanographic vessels and access to the Wrigley Marine Lab on Catalina Island. The department’s state-of-the-art laboratories house advanced instruments used in research and instruction, giving students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Whether exploring the depths of Earth’s history, addressing today’s environmental challenges or preparing for future discoveries, the Department of Earth Sciences at USC offers an engaging and transformative educational experience. Join us to make a difference in understanding and sustaining our planet.
Honor Society
The Department of Earth Sciences is home to the Omega Chapter of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the national honorary Earth Sciences fraternity. Known as “Sig Gam,” this undergraduate organization sponsors a variety of student-focused activities within the department, fostering community and professional development.
Undergraduate Honors Program
The department offers an honors program for students pursuing either a BS in Geological Sciences or a BA in Earth Sciences. Students wishing to participate in this program must complete GEOL 494x Senior Thesis . Honors will be awarded upon successful completion of the thesis and attainment of an overall GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.5 in courses in the major.
Grade Point Average in Major Subject
A grade of C or higher is required in each course in the earth sciences courses used to complete the department or physical sciences major.
Progressive Degree Program in Geological Sciences
This program permits exceptional students to receive both a BS and MS in geological sciences in no more than 10 semesters. It is intended for students with extraordinary geological sciences preparation and performance who demonstrate a superior level of overall scholarship, including a GPA of 3.5 or better. Students may apply on completion of 64 units of course work but not later than the end of the junior year (or the completion of 96 units). The application for admission to a progressive degree program must be accompanied by an approved course plan proposal and letters of recommendation from two USC faculty members in the Department of Earth Sciences. The requirements for both the BS and MS degrees must be satisfied. Further details about progressive degree programs can be found under Progressive Degree Programs in Undergraduate Degree Programs .
Graduate Degrees
The department prepares professional Earth Scientists for careers in academia, government and industry. A wide range of specializations is offered in the department including climate science, atmospheric science, ocean science, paleoclimatology, paleoceanography, paleobiology, paleoecology, paleontology, geochemistry, geobiology, astrobiology, geophysics, geomorphology, sedimentary geology, seismology, engineering geology and properties of Earth materials, igneous and metamorphic petrology, structural geology and tectonics, and interdisciplinary options. Degrees in ocean sciences (through the Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences) are available.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites
An applicant for admission should have the equivalent of the courses in Earth sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics required for the BS degree in geological sciences. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in science or engineering who lack required Earth sciences courses will also be given consideration. Other degrees may be acceptable on a case-by-case basis.
Criteria
The Department of Earth Sciences requires the following evidence for admission to its doctoral program: strong undergraduate background and a superior academic record as documented by GPAs in undergraduate and any completed graduate work, and at least three letters of recommendation from undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate advisers and professors. The number of students accepted in any one year depends on available space in the department and acceptance for advisement by one or more professors.
Procedure
The online USC graduate admissions application will refer applicants to a required supplemental departmental application. The department admits students for both the fall and spring semesters; however, applicants for assistantships and fellowships are encouraged to apply for the fall semester.
Degree Requirements
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Interdisciplinary programs can be arranged for students with pre-professional interests in medical fields, data, computer and spatial science, and other science disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Facilities
The Department of Earth Sciences maintains on-site instructional laboratories, and research laboratories, with cutting-edge instrumentation and deep technical expertise in a wide range of sub-disciplines including mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, geochemistry, geobiology run by individual faculty, as well as shared analytical facilities including the Plasma Laboratory for Atmosphere, Solid Earth, and Marine Analyses (PLASMA). The department also maintains vehicles for off-site fieldwork. There are frequent field geology and oceanographic research opportunities, and nearby Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and La Brea Tar Pits provide access to collections, instrumentation and USC Earth Sciences adjunct faculty in mineralogy and paleontology. Facilities for research in sedimentation, oceanography and marine geology are provided in the department and by the university’s research fleet.
Bachelor’s Degree
Minor
Master’s Degree
Doctoral Degree
Earth Sciences
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