Geological and Planetary Sciences
Why Study Geological and Planetary Sciences?
At Caltech, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS) degree program develops skills in field analysis, laboratory research, and computational modeling of land, topography, minerals, rocks, and their properties.
This interdisciplinary field combines principles from geology, geobiology, mineralogy, geochemistry, oceanography, and more to prepare you to implement environmental solutions, conduct research around the globe, explore connections between Earth and other planetary bodies in our solar system, and address challenges such as environmental remediation and the changing chemical composition of atmospheres.
Why Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech?
Our undergraduate program in geological sciences isn't just theoretical. You'll work directly with data in research labs and gather samples from the field to analyze the makeup of minerals, study geological formations firsthand, and examine the evidence of Earth's history preserved in the land.
Through faculty and graduate student-led research teams and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, GPS students study the origins of pegmatite rock formations in San Diego, investigate geological sites across Los Angeles, and design computer models for river surface research. Geological and planetary sciences majors transform classroom learning into real-world research contributions, furthering humanity's understanding of geoscience earlier than typical in an undergraduate program.
What You'll Learn
The GPS program builds on Caltech's core curriculum of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, integrating these disciplines with geology, earth science, astronomy, and astrophysics. You'll master techniques for analyzing the chemical composition of minerals, understanding tectonic structures and their properties, finding chemical equilibrium, and interpreting geological formations on fieldwork sites. Through major tracks, you can specialize your degree in geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and planetary science.
First-year seminars explore topics like earthquake and volcano forecasting, combining classroom learning with field trips to faults and volcanoes in Southern California. Other courses, like Earth and the Biosphere, provide a systematic introduction to the origin and evolution of life and its impact on Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and climate. A GPS minor is also available to students wanting to supplement another major with Earth and planetary science knowledge.
View the Caltech catalog for degree requirements and curriculum information.
Who You'll Learn From
Work alongside our 41 faculty members who conduct groundbreaking research that helps us understand more about the chemical makeup of planets, their atmospheres, the origins of life and habitability, and the objects that appear across our universe. In small class sizes and a range of research opportunities, geological and planetary science majors build close relationships with leaders in various geology, climate, and planetary science fields, opening doors to future academic and industry connections.
When you think of geology and earth sciences, it isn't just about the rocks you can find in the parking lot. We are talking about things as vast as mountains and plate tectonics. If you are curious about what's happening in the world around you, from oceans to atmospheres, you should explore the geological and planetary sciences.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of the geological and planetary sciences bachelor's degree program apply their skills in industry and research environments focused on understanding and protecting Earth and the solar systems, from global sustainability consulting firms to public and private sector contamination and remediation solutions. With robust research and practical field experience, students excel in jobs such as:
- Environmental and sustainability consulting
- Geological field research
- Natural hazard analysis
- Climate modeling
- Resource management
Curriculum Components and Prerequisites
Students can design their learning in consultation with advisors and follow specialized study tracks. The GPS program builds from Caltech's interdisciplinary foundation, with specialized components including:
- Core requirements and introductory geology and planetary science courses
- Advanced mathematics
- Physics fundamentals
- Written and oral communication
- Humanities and social science courses
- Elective courses to develop expertise in specific areas of interest
Pursue a Bachelor's in Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech
In Caltech's bachelor's program in geological and planetary sciences, transform your curiosity about Earth and other planets into expertise that addresses critical questions about our past, present, and future. From analyzing ancient rock formations to modeling planetary atmospheres, develop the analytical and field skills needed to understand complex Earth systems and contribute to solutions for environmental challenges.