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Atmospheric science

Studying the Earth and its processes.

Students receive a broad background in the Earth sciences and select one of five specialty concentrations.

This is a Green Leaf program.

Caving in Columbia

Program Highlights

Mason undergraduates have internships at local government agencies such as the US Geological Survey and the Smithsonian Institution.

Students have the opportunity as upper level students to mentor lower level students by joining the Learning Assistant program. Students may also join the Honors Program.

Faculty have research projects around the world including Europe, Peru, India, West Africa, and many more exciting locations.

University Catalog

Review admission and course requirements for this degree:

Career Paths

A degree in Earth Science from George Mason University will open doors to many exciting, essential careers such as environmental scientist, resource extraction, geological hazard management just to name a few.

Our graduates have gone on to graduate school at leading institutions across the country and internationally.

Research Opportunities

Mason faculty are actively conducting research in the rock record, coastal processes, structural geology, paleontology and more.

Undergraduates play a vital role in this research, working directly with faculty members and graduate students on their research projects. Many Mason Geology Program undergraduates present research at local, regional, national and international scientific conferences. Several have also published their work with Mason Geology Program faculty.

Concentrations

The concentrations in Earth Surface Processes, Environmental Geoscience, Geology, and Paleontology are solely offered by the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences. The concentration in Oceanography and Estuarine science is offered jointly with the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, where specific advising is also available.

Add a minor

As an Earth Sciences major you may also be interested in these minors offered by the College of Science:

Explore Other Majors

Not sure about an Earth Sciences major? Check out these other majors instead:

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.