The geosciences are concerned with how the Earth works, the processes that shape its internal and external structure, and the development of our planet and other bodies in our solar system through time. It includes the study of the solid earth as well as its fluid envelopes.

Geoscientists are charged with a wide variety of tasks, such as finding adequate supplies of natural resources, protecting our natural environment from environmental degradation, reducing the risks associated with geologic hazards, documenting and understanding the evolution of life through time and providing insights into past and future changes in global climate.

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences faculty members are geologists, geophysicists and atmospheric scientists. Their research and teaching encompasses a wide range of topics including sedimentology and stratigraphy, geochemistry, and petrology, structure and tectonics, environmental and atmospheric sciences, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), solid earth geophysics, and applied and fundamental seismology. Many faculty members have backgrounds in basic research or in applied industry and government service, and all bring their expertise to their research and teaching.

Undergraduate research opportunities exist with faculty members, and participation is strongly encouraged. Since Houston is home to numerous energy companies, there are plentiful opportunities for geosciences undergraduates to gain valuable experience prior to graduation and employment after graduation.

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science.