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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The new Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) Major will start enrolling continuing students in Fall 2027, and new students in Fall 2028. New students admitted into the Geology major can switch to the EPS major once they have started their degree program.

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. 

Sunlit pale sandstone spires and scrubby desert valley under clear blue sky, distant mountains

Earth and Planetary Sciences Major

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS)

Explore EPS Major
A close-up of brown coral

Marine and Coastal Science Major

Bachelor of Science in Marine and Coastal Science (MCS)

Explore MCS Degrees
Fractal leaves.

MAST

CalTeach / Mathematics and Science Teaching

Prepare yourself for a career in mathematics and science education

Learn more
Trilobites.

Minors

Geology Minor

Available in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Oceanography, Paleobiology

Learn more
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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. 

Fossil photograph of a large fish skeleton preserved in gray sedimentary rock

Researchers Unearth Fossil Evidence of First Fully Marine Amphibian

Scientists report fossil evidence of the first fully marine amphibian in a study from the University of California, Davis; Peking University; and the Geological Museum of Guizhou. The amphibian is an armored, giant salamander-sized, bottom-dwelling ocean creature that the researchers named...READ MORE
Amanda Thomas headshot

meet

Amanda Thomas

I study tectonic, volcanic, and surface processes, integrating data collection, analysis, interpretation, and simplified numerical modeling to understand Earth's complex physical systems, and predict and respond to geohazards.

i am a geophysicist.
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.