Earth and Climate Sciences (AB)

Program Code: U-ECS-AB
Degree Designation: Bachelor of Arts
Department: Earth and Climate Sciences
Website: nicholas.duke.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/earth-climate-sciences 

Program Summary

The Earth and Climate Science major is for students interested in the science of how planet Earth works, and creating scientific solutions to earth and environmental challenges such as climate change, water use, sustainable development of mineral resources, clean energy production, as well understanding Earth’s long geological and biological evolution. 

The Division of Earth and Climate Sciences offers introductory and advanced courses in climatology, coastal processes, geology, water sciences, hydrology, geomorphology, physical oceanography, petrology, geological history, and energy. The majors are administered by the Nicholas School of the Environment. Additional information about the division can be found on the divisional website.

A bachelor of arts degree is offered for students who wish to understand local and global earth and climate sciences in support of careers in government, environmental sciences, policy or economics, environmental law, and environmental health.

Go to Programs by Department to view all related programs.

Academic Requirements

At least 14 units total to complete the major. At least 34 units total to earn a degree.

• Corequisites (2 units)

  • Biology: BIOLOGY 201L, or BIOLOGY 202L, or BIOLOGY 207

  • Chemistry: CHEM 21, or CHEM 101DL, or CHEM 110DL, or CHEM 201DL, or CHEM 210D

  • Computer Science or Engineering: COMPSCI 101L, or EGR 103L

  • Math: MATH 111L, or MATH 112L

  • Physics: PHYSICS 121L, or PHYSICS 141L, or PHYSICS 142L

  • Statistics: STA 101L, or STA 199L

• Gateway Course (1 unit) Choose one from the following:

  • ECS 101

  • ECS 103

• Experiential Course (1 unit) Choose one from the following:

  • ECS 210S

  • ECS 212S

• Electives (7 units)

  • Must include at least 1 Science and Society course

  • Must include courses across the earth and climate sciences subject areas, or field courses

  • A comprehensive list of elective courses is available to students in the degree audit system.

Graduation with Distinction

The Earth and Climate Sciences degrees offer a Graduation with Distinction (GWD) option to fulfill the capstone requirement. Interested students with a 3.0 grade point average overall and a 3.2 grade point average in the Earth and Climate Sciences major should apply at the beginning of their senior year by submitting the GWD Application. At least one research independent study is required as part of the GWD process, although more than one is encouraged. The student will normally do the work as part of research independent study courses (ECS 393, 394) completed during one academic year. The student will write a thesis describing their research, and this thesis will be evaluated by the faculty advisor. The student will also present their results and give a poster presentation at the Nicholas School Spring Symposium. More info about GWD can be found at nicholas.duke.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/graduation-distinction.