UC Davis Earth and Planetary Sciences

Our Vision and Mission Statement

Together we create and share knowledge at the forefront of Earth and Planetary Sciences to cultivate informed stewardship and inspire curiosity.

We provide a world-class, stimulating intellectual and educational environment that prioritizes people. As a community we are committed to conducting cutting-edge research in Earth and Planetary Sciences to address challenging scientific and societal problems.

View our Strategic Plan

Majors and Programs

Explore the majors and programs offered by the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences below.

GEL

Geology Major

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees

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MCS

Marine and Coastal Science Major

Bachelor of Science

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MAST

CalTeach / Mathematics and Science Teaching

Prepare yourself for a career in mathematics and science education

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Minors

Geology Minor

Available in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Oceanography, Paleobiology

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Grad school

Applying to Grad School

Graduate school in the geosciences may be a good choice for your career. How do you decide if it’s right for you?

Where to start

Department News

Check out the latest news, research, and announcements from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences below.

Magali Billen smiling in front of flowers

Magali Billen Appointed Chair of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Following three years of dedicated leadership, Professor Kari Cooper is stepping down from her position as Chair of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis. Assuming the position is Professor Magali Billen who has spent two decades in the department...READ MORE

Water emitting steam in the middle of a mountainous landscape

Inside the Volcanic Research of Anjelica Guerrier and Dr. Kari Cooper

Anjelica Guerrier, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, working under Dr. Kari Cooper, dive into the cryptic world of magma chambers. Through meticulous analysis of erupted volcanic rocks and...READ MORE

Professor Magali Billen Discusses Path to Building Digital Twin of the Earth

Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Dr. Magali Billen, is building a digital twin of the Earth using aggregate data from seismic research. The model would predict how tectonic plates shift over time and where stress builds up...READ MORE

Dean Estella Atekwana elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Congratulations to our Dean of the College of Letters and Science Estella Atekwana who was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Atekwana, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, is among 250 new members...READ MORE.

meet

David Gold

I was trained as a biologist, but I have always had a keen interest in the fossil record. Over time I have found that the information hidden in DNA can help address debates that have vexed paleontology and geochemistry.

i am a molecular paleontologist.

meet

Isabel Montañez

I study ancient climates and how the Earth responded to climate change. Our study of ancient climates provides insight into how rainfall patterns, surface temperatures, and ecosystems will respond to future warming.

i am a paleoclimatologist.