Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science

Alum Brittan Wogsland leads an outreach activity at a local middle school.

Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science

A BA in Earth Science provides a flexible, interdisciplinary grounding in how Earth’s systems work while allowing students to connect natural science with broader interests like policy, communication, education, or business. It develops core competencies—including analytical thinking, problem solving, communication, teamwork, and digital literacy—and offers hands‑on learning and research opportunities that support both scientific literacy and applied skills. Graduates can pursue careers as environmental consultants, geospatial scientists, geologists, hydrogeologists, physical scientists, or naturalists in parks and museums; work in agencies such as the USGS, NOAA, EPA, and Forest Service; or move into planning, policy, sustainability, science writing, or secondary education (with certification). Overall, the BA is a versatile option that blends science with societal applications and prepares students for a wide range of environmentally focused careers.

Program Requirements

Preparation for the major

  • CHEM 1210: General Chemistry 1 (5 units)
  • MATH 1151: Calculus 1 (5 units)
  • BIO 1113: Energy Transfer and Development (4 units)
  • BIO 1114: Biological Sciences: Form, Function, Diversity, and Ecology (4 units)
  • EARTHSC 1121: The Dynamic Earth (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 1200: Introductory Earth Science Lab (1 unit)
  • EARTHSC 2122: Climate and Life over Billions of Years on Earth (4 units)
  • EARTHSC 2245: Introductory Data Analysis for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4 units)

Core requirements

Complete at least 30 semester credits in Earth Sciences and other approved fields. Out of the 30 credits, a student may take a maximum of 10 credits at the 2000-level in Earth Sciences and a maximum of 6 credits outside Earth Sciences. Courses outside Earth Sciences must be at the 3000-level and above and are subject to approval for inclusion in the major by an SES advisor.

Earth Sciences 5580 (Standards-Based Earth Sciences for Educators) cannot be used toward the BA in Earth Sciences.
No more than a combined total of 3 credits of internship (5191), research (2998, 2998H, 4998, 4998H, 4999, 4999H), and individual study (3193, 5193) can be counted toward the major and must be approved in advance.

Advising information

Director of Undergraduate Studies (Earth Sciences): Professor Ann Cook, cook.1129@osu.edu

Undergraduate Academic Advisor (Earth Sciences): Dr. Karen Royce, royce.6@osu.edu, 614-292-6961

The state of Ohio does not license Geologists; however, if you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information at the Office of Distance Education and eLearning- State Authorizations for Students.