Earth and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The major covers traditional topics and recent advances in earth science, including theory, data analysis, computer modeling, lab exercises and field training. The curriculum launched in Fall 2025.

Department: Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

The major has nine related math and science courses, four 200-level core courses (EARTH 210, 211, 214, 215) and eight 300-level advanced courses spanning sub-disciplines such as geochemistry, seismology, geology, climate and geobiology plus skills areas. Honors requires at least two credits of EARTH 399 and a thesis. Field trips include Baraboo, WI, the Yucatan Peninsula and Mammoth Cave.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Northwestern undergraduate first-year applicants: Common Application or Coalition with Scoir plus the Northwestern supplement and writing supplements; official secondary school transcripts and school report; one counselor recommendation and at least one teacher recommendation; SAT/ACT scores optional; $75 application fee or fee waiver. Applicants whose first or primary language is not English, or whose secondary schooling was not in English, submit Duolingo English Test, IELTS (including IELTS Indicator) or TOEFL iBT results. Deadlines: Early Decision Nov 1, 2026; Regular Decision Jan 4, 2027.

Requirements published at faculty level.

USD 71,802 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 (full-time $23,934 per quarter, fall/winter/spring); a single rate for all full-time undergraduate degree programmes; excludes room and board, student health, activity and athletics fees and health insurance. Source

Undergraduate terms run fall, winter and spring (quarter system); first-year applicants apply through Early Decision, Regular Decision or QuestBridge.

First-year deadlines for 2026-27: QuestBridge October 1, 2026; Early Decision November 1, 2026 (decisions December 2026); Regular Decision January 4, 2027 (decisions March 2027). Transfer: Early Decision March 1, 2027; Regular Decision April 1, 2027 (priority deadline for Bienen transfer applicants January 4, 2027).

Apply through the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir (QuestBridge for QuestBridge applicants). The nonrefundable application fee is $75 or a fee waiver. Northwestern is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.northwestern.edu/apply/

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