Student Resources

Finding a Major: Earth Systems

From global warming to tsunamis and earthquakes, the physical properties of the earth powerfully interact with living systems and human populations. Understanding earth systems results in better decisions about how to use and preserve the environment and helps to predict future environmental problems. Scientists at the University of Illinois are studying the evolution of the earth's structure from a variety of perspectives including biogeochemical processes that link living and physical systems; movement, quality and management of water in surface and subsurface environments; and air quality both at the surface of the earth and in the atmosphere.

College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Science

• Agricultural Engineering
• Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

College of Fine and Applied Arts

• Urban and Regional Planning

College of Engineering

• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Material Science and Engineering
• Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Chemical Sciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Geography 
• Geology

Other Resources

• Illinois State Geological Survey
• Illinois State Water Survey
• Mid-America Earthquake Center