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UW-ESS Bachelor of Arts
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.


B.A. Requirements: PDF or Word

Supporting Science (35 Credits)
  • Required Courses (20 credits):
    • CHEM 142
    • QSCI 291, 292 or MATH 124,125
    • PHYS 114/117 or 121
  • Elective Courses (15 credits) from this list:
    • ASTR 101 or 201; 150, 301
    • ATMS 101, 211, 301, 321
    • BIOL 161, 162, 180, 200, 220
    • CHEM 152, 162
    • CSE 142
    • GEOG 360, 460
    • MATH 126
    • OCEAN 101 or 200
    • PHYS 115/118 or 122; PHYS 116/119 or 123
    • QSCI 381, 392, 393
    • STAT 311


ESS Courses (55 Credits)

  • ESS Required Courses (15 credits):
    • Two of ESS 211, 212, 213
    • One of ESS 311, 312, 313, 314
  • ESS Electives (40 credits):
    • 40 upper-division credits (300- and 400- level) with at least 10 credits in ESS courses numbered 401 to 488.

NOTE: All courses COUNTED TOWARD THE MAJOR must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Apply to do a major in ESS
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Earth and Space Sciences
( Geology, Geophysics, Geological Sciences)
University of Washington
Johnson Hall 070 •  Box 351310
4000 15th Avenue NE • Seattle, WA  98195-1310
Phone 206-543-1190  •  Fax 206-543-0489 
• Site Info: webmaster@ess.washington.edu
• ESS Advising: advising@ess.washington.edu