Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences

At a glance

Our Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences program, offered by the Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences is one of the original and longest established academic programs at The University of Texas at Dallas. It encompasses many disciplines in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, paleobiology, geomorphology and paleoclimatology.

The curriculum is developed by internationally renowned faculty and covers various topics including geophysics, geology, hydrology, net-zero fossil and renewable energy, tectonics, earthquakes, structure, sedimentology, remote sensing and GIS. It also addresses areas covered in the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology licensing exam, which is recommended for those working in environmental geology.

Research in geosciences plays an increasingly important role in human sustainability, leads the world’s transition to clean energy sources, and adapts to the rapidly changing global environments that present existential crises.

Career potential

Graduates of the Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences program have a wide variety of career opportunities in sustainable earth sciences, clean energy, critical minerals, groundwater, environmental, and other sectors of industry, including government and academia.

The need for well-trained, responsible, and solution-driven geoscientists has never been greater, especially with the current population growth rates and resource consumption issues. Job opportunities include:

• Geologist
• Geophysicist
• Environmental scientist
• Hydrologist
• Climatologist
• Oceanographer
• Petroleum geologist
• Seismologist
• GIS specialist
• Geotechnical engineer
• Paleontologist
• Professor
• Land surveyor
• Natural resource manager
• Meteorologist