Degree Requirements

The undergraduate major in Earth and Environmental Sciences provides an understanding of the natural functioning of our planet and considers the consequences of human interactions with it. The program instills a comprehension of how complex earth systems work at a level that will encourage students to think creatively about how to address multidisciplinary environmental problems.

The program for concentrators serves students who want more exposure to earth and environmental science than is provided by introductory-level courses. It is designed to give students an understanding of how the Earth works and an introduction to the methods used to investigate earth processes, including their capabilities and limitations. 

In addition to the environmental science and earth science concentrations, the department sponsors a special concentration in Environmental Science for Environmental Biology majors.

Students interested in declaring a major or concentration in our department can find more info on our Prospective Students page. 

Note: 1000-level DEES courses DO NOT count towards fulfilling the necessary degree requirements, and EESC 4930 Earth's Oceans & Atmosphere also does not count towards fulfilling the depth or breadth requirement. 

You can use the below chart to compare the three DEES majors and the Sustainable Development major.

Comparison of majors chart

The Climate System Science major is designed for students who are interested in how the past, present, and future climate system works and in solution strategies for the rapidly accelerating climate crisis. The overall goal is to establish the fundamental sciences at the core of the climate system, and to inspire solution-oriented analytical thinking and expertise. The flexible course structure combines geology, physics, biology, chemistry and math with a core in climate system science and climate solution, justice, policy and communication courses. Sample tracks through the major in sea level change, decarbonization and modern climate link to the mission and applied centers of Columbia’s Climate School. The major requires a minimum of 43.5 points to be completed. 

The major in Earth Science provides an introduction to the study of the solid and fluid earth and its geological history. The program is designed to provide students with a solid background of related science fields, then delve into particular fields in earth science in greater depth.

The major in Environmental Science focuses on the interaction between Earth's physical environment and the biosphere, on anthropogenic processes like pollution and global climate change, and on environmental remediation. The program is designed to provide students with a solid background in related science fields, then delve into particular fields in environmental science in greater depth.

The Earth Science Concentration provides students further exposure into the earth sciences than what introductory courses cover. The concentration allows students the freedom to delve into a variety of courses that support their interests in the earth sciences. 

The Environmental Science Concentration provides students further exposure into the environmental sciences than what introductory courses cover. The concentration allows students the freedom to delve into a variety of courses that support their interests in the environmental sciences. 

The department sponsors a special concentration in Environmental Science for Environmental Biology majors. It allows for freedom to take a variety of courses in environmental science that support the major in Environmental Biology.