BA/BS Earth and Space Sciences at University of Washington

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences is designed for students interested in geology and geophysics, and a career path in graduate studies or in the private sector where field and technology experiences and problem-solving skills are an important asset. Students pursuing the B.S. in Earth and Space Sciences choose from one of four options: Geology, Biology, Physics, or Environmental Earth Sciences.

Faculty: College of the Environment | Department: Earth and Space Sciences | Duration: 82-90 credits | Location: Seattle, WA, United States

What you will study

82-90 credits; Supporting Science (27-32 credits):; Basic Supporting Science (20-21 credits):; CHEM 142, CHEM 143, or CHEM 145; one of the following options: (1) MATH 124, MATH 125; (2) MATH 134, MATH 135; (3) Q SCI 291, Q SCI 292; one of the following options: (1) PHYS 114, PHYS 117; (2) PHYS 121; (3) PHYS 141; Supporting Sciences and Math (3-6 credits):; one from AMATH 352, CHEM 152, CHEM 153, CHEM 155, MATH 126, MATH 136, MATH 200, MATH 208, MATH 224, both PHYS 115 and PHYS 118, PHYS 122, or PHYS 142

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.

Domestic applicants: USD 12,664 a year (2026-27). Resident rate. Seattle campus, full-time, Autumn+Winter+Spring quarters, rate band "Undergraduate" Undergraduate rate for tuition-based programs. Tuition only (operating + building fee); excludes technology fee, services & activities fee, IMA bond and fac Source

International applicants: USD 44,580 a year (2026-27). Non-Resident rate. Seattle campus, full-time, Autumn+Winter+Spring quarters, rate band "Undergraduate" Undergraduate rate for tuition-based programs. Tuition only (operating + building fee); excludes technology fee, services & activities fee, IMA bond and Source

First-year entry quarters: Autumn (begins late September), Winter (begins early January; not open to international first-year applicants), Summer (begins mid-June; most degree-seeking students apply for Autumn). Spring quarter is not open to first-year applicants.

Transfer entry: Autumn and Summer quarters; Spring quarter transfer admission is open only to applicants to specific departments in engineering and computer science.

First-year applications for Autumn (and Summer) open August 15 and close November 15; notification March 1-15. Winter applications open August 1 and close September 1, with notification in November and December. The UW does not offer early decision or early action. Apply through the Common App.

First-year application fee is $85 for U.S. students (fee waivers available) and $95 for international students (no fee waivers). Application requires a Common App essay and a self-reported academic record in STARS. SAT/ACT scores are not required for most applicants; homeschooled applicants and applicants from schools without letter or numeric grades must submit SAT or ACT scores. International applicants submit TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting the minimum English proficiency requirement.

Transfer applications for Autumn and Summer open December 15 and close February 28; notification May 1 to June 30. Transfer application fee is $85 (U.S., fee waivers available) or $95 (international, no fee waivers). SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admit.washington.edu/apply/

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