The 2025-2026 Graduate Admissions Application is now open! Learn more about how to apply to the Graduate Program in 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.  

Department News

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

Molecular Paleontology

Looking at a jellyfish is like looking into the ancient past. Survivors from the late Precambrian Era, these organisms lived in an environment completely alien to the wide swath of modern Earth. They thrived during a time when the waters of our planet were largely anoxic, the lack of oxygen making them...READ MORE

Discover the Giants of the Past: New Fossils Unveiled at UC Davis!

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is excited to announce the installation of our stunning T-Rex fossil head in the lobby of the Earth and Physical Sciences building! This remarkable replica, cast from the famous "Black Beauty" fossil at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, was made possible...READ MORE

In the Seagrass Meadows

Invisible in the clear afternoon sky, the moon tugged the tidal channel’s brackish waters towards the Pacific Ocean. It drew them out slowly, languidly, the water’s surface eddying and rippling in the sunlight. Elisabeth Sellinger stood shoulder-deep in the withdrawing water. She...READ MORE