Earth Science Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Learn more about the department's name change from geological sciences to the Department of Earth Science, including the effect on degree names and curricula.

What is changing and when?

The Department of Geological Sciences is being renamed the Department of Earth Science. This change will take place in the beginning of the fall 2026 semester. Starting Fall 2026, courses will use the prefix ERTH instead of GEOL to reflect the Earth Science name change.

Why is the department name changing to Earth Science?

The new name Earth Science (formerly Geological Sciences) better reflects the broad scope of the field of Earth science we teach, including geology, geophysics, geobiology, paleontology, hydrology, planetary science and more. This update aligns our program name with the diverse research and teaching in our department. It also more accurately conveys the degree that undergraduate and graduate students obtain upon graduating from our program.

How will this change affect current undergraduate and graduate students?

This will have minimal effect on currently enrolled students as nothing about the content of the degree, degree plan, degree requirements, curriculum, tuition, financial aid, or advising is changing. The main changes are:

  • Future course prefixes on your transcript will change to ERTH
  • The degree name on the diploma and transcript will be Earth Science

The experience of learning and conducting research in the department will stay the same.

Will there be an option for current students to be grandfathered in and keep Geological Sciences as a degree name and/or on the diploma?

No, after summer terms in 2026 all degrees, diplomas, and transcripts will reflect the update to Earth Science.

Will this affect my tuition and fees?

No. Earth Science (formerly Geological Sciences) is in tuition tier 3 for undergraduates, which will continue to be the same.Earth Science for MS and PhD graduate students is listed under “Arts & Sciences and All Other”, which also continues to be the same.

Whom should I contact if I have questions?

If you are a prospective student or parent, please reach out to earthscience@colorado.edu or geoloffice@colorado.edu. If you are a current student, please contact your undergraduate advisor or graduate advisor if you have additional questions. If that person cannot answer your question(s), they will connect you with someone who can.

How will this affect prospective students applying to the program?

The online application to gain entry into Earth Science (formerly Geological Sciences) will be listed under the name “Earth Science.” The application process will proceed as is typical with no changes, and at the conclusion of the degree, the degree awarded and diploma will read “Earth Science.”

How will this change impact student’s job prospects upon graduating?

A degree in Earth Science lends itself to job prospects in private industry, non-profit, education, government, and start-ups in the areas of (but not limited to): environmental work, consulting, water resources, public policy, energy and natural resources, urban planning, graduate school, and law, among others. The name change aligns with the growth and diversifying interests that have been accumulating in the Earth sciences field for many years. It will not change the curriculum or important skills students develop in their upper-level or graduate courses and labs.

Whom should I contact if I have additional questions related to admissions?

Please see a more comprehensive list of admissions-related questions at the main Ҵýƽ admissions websites.

Here are the resources for Earth Science graduate applicants, including U.S. students, international students, and general Graduate School application FAQs.

Read more about the department’s name change, including an interview with Anne Sheehan, department chair, and Irene Blair, dean of the Division of Natural Sciences.

Read the Story