<p>What's earth science grad school like, and what kind of background do most earth science types have? (I ask because i'm studying physics right now and have become sort of interested in earth science--hydrology and atmospheric chemistry specifically.) I know it's a very broad field, so if anyone knowledgeable about the field could give an overview of the big areas of study in earth/environmental science that'd be great. Thanks.</p>
<p>Well, you have a background in physics, so you'll probably be set for most grad schools (in terms of prereq classes). </p>
<p>There are a ton of fields in ENVS/Geo. From policy to hardcore science. Hydrology uses a lot of math (calc) and there are many private sector applications. I know many hydrologists that work for environmental remediation firms. </p>
<p>Atmospheric chemistry is a field I am also interested in. Again, you'll find a lot of applications in the private sector. </p>
<p>I have a very geology (and environmental science/policy)-heavy background. I would say maybe 50% of scientists in the earth science realm come from physics/math/chemistry backgrounds. </p>
<p>Ask any specific questions. I'm a senior, but I've taken quite a few grad-level earth science courses, so I have an idea of what they are like.</p>
<p>I agree with some of what enviroman says, but have a lot more to add.</p>
<p>Physics is a normal undergraduate degree for those looking towards some earth science fields, such as geophysics (I know...sounds like a no-brainer) and hydrology (due to the math involved). </p>
<p>Geophysics can be broken into many subsects and there is something for everyone (if you enjoy the math involved). Some study earthquakes and volcanos using seismic waves and try to model/predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions (most times goes hand-in-hand). Others study deep penetrative seismic waves to gather information about the interior of the earth. Yet another big sect of geophysics studys more shallow structures to find petroleum and natural gas (geophysicists of any sect are highly sought after by oil companies). Another related branch includes tomography, which I admit I don't know anything about.</p>
<p>If you desire to go towards more of the atmospheric chemistry end, make sure at the very minimum you have taken a year of chemistry and be prepared to make up deficiencies your first year (maybe not at all, but most schools). I'm not super-familiar with this field and have not taken any courses in this field, so I'm not exactly sure what the backgrounds of graduate students in this discipline are normally.</p>
<p>From what you said (i.e. your interest in physics) you may also be interested in meterology (modeling atmospheric patterns and weather phenomena), paleoclimate studies (which may include climate modeling or isotope geochemistry), geomorphology (broad field and can include anything from fault modeling to glaical modeling), marine science (including aqueous geochemistry), groundwater geology/groundwater modeling, mineralogy (study the physics and atomic deformation of minerals), etc. </p>
<p>As for you undergraduate degree, many schools will consider a physics major for their programs and it would be wise to try to get all of the co-reqs out of the way before graduate school. These would typically be the first year of physics (which you have), up through calc 3 (which you have), first year of general chemistry, and try to take a physical geology course (plus lab). You may also want to take some upper-level earth science courses to start developing your possible research interests.</p>
<p>Also, be aware that most schools will only admit students without BS degrees in the earth sciences to a MS program before applying for the PhD (but of course, there are exceptions). Don't let this get your hopes down, many schools will only admit students with BS degrees (including earth science) to MS programs anyhow (and make you apply to extend to PhD after attaining the MS). </p>
<p>Good luck and you PM me too with any questions...I have my BS and MS in geology and working towards my PhD ;)</p>
<p>Good response.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'd also try to get at least Intro to Geo (with lab) out of the way first. If you want to go into atmospheric chemistry, have at least Gen Chem I/II, and maybe Orgo I/II (this req will vary from program to program). I can all but guarantee you that you will not want to spend your first semester or two making up deficiencies. </p>
<p>There are grad students here that came from a totally non-Geology based background, and my school made them take Intro to Geo and Mineralogy before they could take any graduate level courses. Some schools might be more or less leniant. </p>
<p>Hydrology graduate programs generally want you to have at least 1 year of physics, math at least through diffeq, and we require students to have at least intro geo. Hydrology is pretty interesting and it is one of the most math-intensive geological pursuits, along with geophysics.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.</p>