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

"Earth and Planetary Sciences" text placed on top of a decorative photo collage of the five main UC Davis EPS research disciplines.

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.  

Rockhammer

GEL

Geology Major

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees

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Brown coral.

MCS

Marine and Coastal Science Major

Bachelor of Science

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Fractal leaves.

MAST

CalTeach / Mathematics and Science Teaching

Prepare yourself for a career in mathematics and science education

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Trilobites.

Minors

Geology Minor

Available in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Oceanography, Paleobiology

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Geoscientist outdoors

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. 

A 60-million year old fossil palm leaf from Alaska

Taking the Earth’s Temperature Over the Past 485 Million Years

Palm trees in Alaska, crocodiles in Wyoming: Fossils show that Earth’s temperature has changed over hundreds of millions of years. Now a new study co-led by the Smithsonian and the University of Arizona, with Professor Isabel Montañez of the UC Davis Department...READ MORE
The surface of the Moon

Recent Volcanoes on the Moon?

New results from China’s Chang’e 5 lunar samples returned to Earth provide evidence for active volcanoes on the Moon as recently as 120 million years ago. Previously, scientists had thought that any activity with magma (molten rock) rising to the Moon’s...READ MORE
Davis A. Gold

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.
Isabel Montanez in her lab sitting at a table doing research.

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.