Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

As an earth and atmospheric sciences major, you’ll pursue an interdisciplinary, unique course of study that incorporates the fundamentals of earth science with the emergence of a new and more complete approach, encompassing all components of the earth system — air, life, rock and water — to gain a new and more comprehensive understanding of the world as we know it. You can choose to focus on a disciplinary specialty such as geophysics or tectonics, or develop the broad expertise needed to understand the interactions between the diverse elements of earth and life in the past, present and future.

Sample classes

  • Introductory Oceanography
  • Atmospheric Modeling
  • Humans and Climate Change

Outcomes

All information below is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive; rather, they are a sampling of the data. If you would like more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu

What can you do with a degree in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences?

Graduate school:

In 2022, many earth & atmospheric sciences majors embarked on graduate school journeys. They pursued various advanced degrees, with the majority dedicated to their MS or PhD. Their graduate field interest ranges from geological sciences to atmospheric sciences and Earth science. 

These ambitious individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like Brown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, and the University of St Andrews.

Employment: 

The majority of earth & atmospheric sciences graduates entered sectors in education, government, and consulting/professional practice. 

Where 2022 Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Graduates Work

Employer Job Titles
Cooperstown Environmental LLC Office Administrator
John Hopkins University Research Technician/Post Bacc
Long Island Horticulture Research and Extension Ctr. Research Assistant
New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation Environmental Engineering Technician I
Sci-Links Consulting Research Administrative Assistant
United States National Park Service National Park Ranger