Johns Hopkins University

The Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences is for undergraduates interested in the study of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the Earth and the other planets, drawing on the disciplines of geology, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrology, ecology, geobiology, oceanography, and atmospheric science.

Students should design a specific plan of appropriate courses in consultation with their advisor and the EPS Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS). Those who wish to be majors may proceed directly to the introductory courses at the 200-level, but depending on the student’s background, it may be appropriate initially to take a freshman seminar or 100-level course designed for the non-major. Our courses provide a broad educational base in the Earth, planetary, and environmental sciences and enable exploration of a set of electives at the 300- and 400-level, depending on the area of interest. Students who plan to attend graduate school are strongly encouraged to engage in undergraduate research and complete a senior thesis under the supervision of a department faculty member.

The department requires a total of 9-11 credits at the 100-level or above and 12 credits at the 300-level or above in Earth, planetary, and environmental sciences (numbered AS.270.xxx), as well as science and math foundation courses from other departments. No more than one environmental studies course numbered AS.271.xxx can be counted as an EPS elective for the major.  All courses must be taken for a letter grade, and students must earn a grade of C- or better to apply the course to the major.