University of Tampa's Minor in Earth Systems Science is an interdisciplinary minor that introduces students to fundamental concepts and methods in the various Earth Sciences. Students will learn foundational content in atmospheric science/meteorology, geology and oceanography through upper-level coursework and take required and elective courses in various methods, including computer science, data science and field methods. Students will learn how and why various atmospheric, geology and oceanographic phenomena occur and how each sphere of the physical environment interacts with eachother. Students will also learn foundational skills in data analysis in Python and R through required coursework.

Topics of Study

Required courses include:

• ENS 310 - Earth Systems Science in Atmospheric Science 
• MAR 200 - Oceanography 
• MAR 201 - Geology 
• CSC 101 - Computer Science 
• DSC 101 - Data Science 

• Biological Oceanography
• Chemical Oceanography
• Environmental Methods and Technology
• Geographic Information Systems
• Physical Oceanography
• Water, Wetlands, Wildlife

Find more information on courses and degree requirements in the University catalog.

Career Opportunities

• Environmental consulting
• Environmental data analytics
• Applied GIS
• Scientist roles within the public and private sector

Why consider this minor?

This minor offers students a flexible way to expand their scientific knowledge while complementing a wide range of majors at UTampa. Students can often apply courses toward both their major and the minor, with no additional prerequisites for students majoring in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, marine biology, marine science-biology or marine science-chemistry.

With two elective courses, students can tailor the minor to their interests, from Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Methods and Technology to oceanography courses. Required courses and most electives are offered at least once each year, making the minor accessible even for students who decide to add it later in their academic journey.

Admissions Requirements

The Minor in Earth Systems Science is open to all students, although certain courses have prerequisites that are not fulfilled by the minor's requirements. The minor is designed to easily complement students majoring in environmental studies, marine biology, marine science-biology and marine science-chemistry. In particular, students who are looking for careers or to attend graduate school in atmospheric science/meteorology, earth science, geology, physical geography and oceanography are strongly urged to consider this minor.