Do you want to climb active volcanoes, sail around Antarctica, explore the world’s oceans, help the global environment, join geophysical expeditions, learn advanced laboratory skills, study the Earth’s deep interior and gain valuable job experience? Explore these opportunities with a degree in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Science.

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences offers undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue exciting careers in energy, the environment, government, education and academia. We teach skills that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st Century in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, environmental sciences and more.

EEPS and ENVS Majors

The EEPS program offers a major with a choice of three Bachelor of Science tracks: Environmental Earth Sciences, Geosciences or Planetary Sciences.  Students can also work with a faculty member to design a specialty track. All of the programs of study include experiences with analytical equipment, computer systems and fieldwork. EEPS majors may also complete a Senior Honors Thesis.

There is also Bachelor of Arts major which provides greater flexibility of course choices.

The ENVS program offers a major in Environmental Science for both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, along with two paths, a major concentration in Earth Science, or a major concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. The program includes a number of interdisciplinary courses for students interested in broadening their understanding of environmental issues. These courses often are team-taught by faculty from various areas of study.

Earth, Environmental and Planetary Science Major (EEPS)

Requirements for the BS

Requirements for the BA

Undergraduate Advisers

Environmental Earth Science Concentration – Sylvia Dee (Sylvia.dee@rice.edu)

Geoscience and Planetary Science Concentrations – Juli Morgan (morganj@rice.edu)

Environmental Science Major (ENVS)

Requirements for the BS

Requirements for the BA

Undergraduate Advisers

Environmental Science Concentration – Caroline Masiello (masiello@rice.edu)

Earth Science Concentration – Juli Morgan (morganj@rice.edu)

EEPS and ENVS Student Research Information

 EEPS majors may also conduct research.  

Undergraduates are encouraged to embark in undergraduate research, including the opportunity to complete a Senior Honors Thesis.  

Here is a list of the faculty and research topics available to undergraduates:

EEPS offers a variety of introductory courses, most of which will count towards major course credit requirements.   The gallery below illustrates a variety of Fall 2021 Earth Science courses to choose from.  Click on each to read the course description and registration information.

For those who are looking for a sample of what we do in EEPS, ESCI 114: Discoveries in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences is a 1 credit seminar course that will introduce you to a cross section of research from the various disciplines within our department.