Requirements for the Science of Earth Systems (SES) major in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), comparing programs in the Colleges of Engineering (ENGR), Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), and Arts and Sciences (AS). Click on the numbers for details about each course. For further information, contact John Cisne: john.cisne@cornell.edu
Concentrations: The Science of Earth Systems program encompasses fields ranging from geology to oceanography to meteorology, and from geophysics to geochemistry to geobiology, and to various branches of engineering as well. In keeping with Cornell's motto, "... where any person can find instruction in any study," the SES major is designed to do just that. One way to personalize your degree is by declaring a concentration. The four standards are Geological Sciences, Ocean Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, and Biogeochemistry. There are many other professionally recognized specialties, and you might want to work out your own personalized curriculum with an advisor who will supervise your work.
Click here to declare your concentration!
In addition to the requirements below, students must complete general requirements specific to their college. Visit your college's advising center for more information.
| Courses | Colleges | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| . | ENGR | CALS | AS |
| Prerequisites at the minimum level of difficulty for admission to the major: | |||
| Mathematics | MATH 1910 + 1920 (+ 2930 + 2940) |
MATH 1110 + 1120 (or 1910 + 1920) | |
| Physics | PHYS 1112 + 2213 | PHYS 2207 + 2208 (or 1112 + 2213) | |
| Chemistry | CHEM 2090 + 2080 or 1570 | CHEM 2070 (or 2090) + 2080 or 1570 | |
| Biology | Two courses, such as Biological Principles (BIO G 1109) or Oceanography (EAS/BIOEE 1540) or Evolution of the Earth and Life (EAS 1700) |
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| Requirements for completion of the Major: | |||
| Introduction | EAS 2200 | ||
| Core courses | At least three among EAS 3010, 3030, 3040, and 3050 | ||
| Concentration courses | Four EAS @ ≥ 3000 level (or three EAS + approved alternative) Available Concentrations: Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean Sciences, Biogeochemistry, Geological Sciences. Other concentration options should be discussed with your academic advisor. |
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| Hands-on experience | An observational course such EAS 2500, a field course such as EAS 4170, or an approved alternative of ≥ 3 credits. Examples include EAS 3250, 4370, EES program in Hawaii, a course at Shoal's Marine Laboratory, SEA semester, an internship or research project. 3 credits minimum. |
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| Suggestions | ENGRI 1220 (= EAS 1220) | Introductory computer programming course | |