Earth Sciences Four-Year Plan
Revised 04/2024
Bold: only offered in indicated semester
Italic: course prerequisites and corequisites (designated by &)
UD: must be admitted to the major prior to enrollment
◊: courses required for admission to this major
Note: This is a sample plan that shows the department's recommended course plan for completing this degree in four years. Alternative course options can be seen on the APAS or Catalog page.
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
- ◊ Math 1371 Calculus I (placement or prereq) [4cr]
- ◊ Phys 1301W Intro Physics I (&Math 1371) [4cr]
- ◊ Chem 1071 CSE Chem Principles I (&1065) [3cr]
- ◊ Chem 1065 Chem Principles I Lab (&1071) [1cr]
- Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]
- CSE 1001 First Year Experience [1cr]
Spring Semester
- ◊ Math 1372 Calculus II (1371) [4cr]
- Phys 1302W Intro Physics II (1301W, &Math 1372) [4cr]
- Chem 1072 CSE Chem Principles II (1071, &1066) [3cr]
- Chem 1066 Chem Principles II Lab (&1072) [1cr]
- Liberal Education course (ESci 1012 recommended) or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
- CHOOSE ONE:
- Math 2373 Linear Algebra & Differential Equations (1372) [4cr]
- Math 2374 Multivariable Calculus (1372) [4cr]
- ◊ ESci 2201 Solid Earth Dynamics (&Phys 1301W) [4cr]
- ◊ ESci 2301 Mineralogy (&Chem 1071/65, &Math 1371) [3cr]
- Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
Spring Semester
- ESci 2202 Earth History (2201, 2301) [4cr]
- ESci 2203 Earth Surface Dynamics [4cr]
- ESci 3891 Field Methods [2 cr]
- ESci Elective course [3 or 4cr]
- Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
Summer after sophomore year: ESci 3911 Intro Field Geology (3891)
Junior Year
Fall Semester
- ESci 3303W Geochemical Principles (&Chem 1071/65) [4cr]
- ESci 3202 Fluid Earth Dynamics (&2201) [4cr]
- ESci Elective course [3 or 4cr]
- Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
Spring Semester
- ESci Elective course [3 or 4cr]
- ESci Elective course [3 or 4cr]
- ESci Elective course [3 or 4cr]
- Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
Summer after junior year: ESci 4911 Advanced Field Geology (3911) or 4971W Hydrogeology
Senior Year
Fall Semester
- ESci Elective course [3 or 4cr]
- ESci Elective course [3 or 4cr]
- Additional Cognate Science (Technical Elective) [3 or 4cr]
- Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
Spring Semester
- ESci Elective course [3 or 4cr]
- Additional Cognate Science (Technical Elective) [3 or 4cr]
- Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
- Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
Total Credits Needed for Degree: 120
Additional Information
The APAS is the official method for tracking completion of your specific degree requirements. This plan is not a contract and curriculum can change.
Applying to a major: z.umn.edu/csemajorapp
Courses required for admission to this major: Math 1371, Math 1372, Phys 1301W, Chem 1071/65, ESci 2201, ESci 2301
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.
Department Contact Information
Website: cse.umn.edu/esci
Main Phone: 612-624-1333 | Main Office: Tate Hall 150
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Professor Lars Hansen; lnhansen@umn.edu
Major Catalog Page: https://umtc.catalog.prod.coursedog.com/programs/224429307
Learn how to add study abroad to your degree planning!
What can I do with a major in Earth Sciences?
University Degree Requirements
All students must complete the following requirements. Requirements with an (*) will be fulfilled by taking courses at UM-TC required for this major.
Writing Requirements
University Writing:
- Writ 1301/1401 or equivalent
Writing Intensive (WI):
- One: Any level*
- One: Any level*
- One: 3/4/5xxx level (in major)*
- One: 3/4/5xxx level (any dept.)
Liberal Education
Cores:
- Biological Sciences w/Lab
- Physical Sciences w/Lab*
- Historical Perspectives
- Social Sciences
- Arts/Humanities
- Literature
- Mathematical Thinking*
Themes (choose 4 of 5):
- Race, Power, and Justice in the US (required)
- Civic Life and Ethics
- The Environment
- Global Perspectives
- Technology and Society