Understanding Planet Earth and its interrelated processes is complex. How has it evolved? Why are there earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain chains, continents and oceans? What can we learn about climate variability? And most important, what can we do with this knowledge?
The study of Earth sciences combines experiential learning, interdisciplinary study and a culture of innovation and discovery.
Coursework will provide you the basis for:
- understanding natural hazards;
- assessing climate variability and global change;
- predicting the migration of man-made pollutants;
- exploring the energy and mineral resources upon which society depends and;
- the nature of our planet and insights into some of humanity’s deepest questions.
In addition to coursework, you can take advantage of extensive field and extracurricular opportunities and gain hands-on experience. Work with a faculty member on a research project, participate in an intensive field study or join the Geology Club.
Faculty have diverse interests in the nature of our planet and are heavily committed to research and education in these fields:
- solid earth sciences
- paleoclimatology
- water resources
Field-based research brings faculty and students to every continent on the planet to collect observational data. State-of-the art laboratory and computing facilities allow for sophisticated analytical and numerical study of Earth systems. You’ll be broadly trained in field work, geochemical and geophysical methods, quantitative analysis and professional skills.
As a scholar-scientist, you’ll be prepared and sought-after by employers. Graduates are well placed in academic, government and private sector positions. They are prepared for careers in:
- geology
- hydrology
- paleontology
- oceanography
- climate and environmental sciences.
Upcoming Events
Books by Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty
Recent EES News
(Oct. 7, 2026)
A Journey Into Earth’s DepthsSyracuse University Earth scientists helped trace a rock's approximately 90-kilometer journey from Earth's surface into the mantle, uncovering new clues about how subduction zones develop and drive planetary change over millions of years.
(Sept. 28, 2026)
A&S Faculty Featured in Syracuse.com Coverage of Syracuse University’s Future-Focused SummitCollege of Arts and Sciences researchers highlighted the power of interdisciplinary scholarship, emerging technologies and community impact at Syracuse University's "Into the Future" summit.
(Sept. 14, 2026)
Exploring Earth’s Resources for a Clean Energy FutureEarth sciences professor Adam Cawood is finding solutions that support the energy transition while making geoscience more accessible to researchers and students worldwide.
(Sept. 11, 2026)
Scotland as a Geological ClassroomStudents in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences gain hands-on experience through immersive field research in the birthplace of modern geology.
(Aug. 19, 2026)
Accelerating the Search for Rare Earth ElementsEarth sciences professor Tao Wen and his students are part of an interdisciplinary effort to improve the ability to identify and evaluate potential rare earth element resources in the U.S.
(July 15, 2026)
A&S Researchers Link Metal Deposits to Oceanic Oxygen Loss During Ancient Ice AgesA sweeping analysis by Syracuse researchers of metal contents in ancient marine sedimentary rocks suggests oxygen-poor oceans were common during Earth's six greatest ice ages.
(July 7, 2026)
Earth’s Natural ThermostatFor 60 million years, rising and falling seas influenced how much carbon the ocean buried and how warm the planet was.