UC Davis Earth and Planetary Sciences

Take Geology classes with Earth and Planetary Sciences this summer! Registration is now open!

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.

Assessing, Improving and Protecting Water Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa with Claris Nyuysoni Sunjo

Claris Nyuysoni Sunjo knows firsthand the dangers of living in a place with unsafe drinking water. Growing up in Mbah in Cameroon, Sunjo was once rushed to the hospital and even lost a friend due to waterborne illnesses. Those experiences triggered a desire within her. She...READ MORE

Studying Ancient Microbial Life on Earth and Beyond with Dawn Sumner

Take a deep breath in. Hold it in for a second. And now, let it out. While that simple, measured way of breathing can instill calm in us, it also connects us to our home planet. “That oxygen that you just absorbed comes from billions of years of evolution of photosystems...READ MORE

Isabel Montañez Awarded 2025 Athena Award for Academic Leadership

We are thrilled to announce that Distinguished Professor Dr. Isabel Montañez of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has been awarded the 2025 Athena Award in Academic Leadership by EDGE in Tech at the University of California...READ MORE

Distinguished Professor Dr. Dawn Sumner Elected Fellow of American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS)

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Dawn Sumner, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This prestigious recognition honors her...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.