Studies in the Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California date back to the beginning of the University itself. In 1881, the study of geology was required in the first programs offered by the University. From its first professorship in 1909, the Department has grown to a faculty of twenty-one, and represents most major disciplines within modern earth sciences.
The Department of Earth Sciences is composed of a spectrum of Research Disciplines focused on understanding the processes that influence the tectonics and environment of the planet, on using this understanding to read the record of earth history written in rocks and sediments, and on developing models that can be used to predict future changes due to natural phenomena and mankind's perturbations. Issues of societal concern related to seismic risk, climate change, environmental contamination and other geologic hazards play an important role. Research topics of the department include geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics, marine geology, paleoceanography, paleontology, paleoseismology, petrology, physical and chemical oceanography, sedimentology, and structural geology.
The department is committed to emphasizing both educational and research programs and views these efforts as complementary. Instruction is offered on several levels. These include introductory classes for non-science majors, undergraduate courses that are appropriate for undergraduates majoring in earth sciences or other science and engineering disciplines, and graduate classes appropriate for advanced degrees. A close working relationship exists between students and faculty members. Classes beyond introductory level are usually small, permitting personalized instruction. Field trips are an important part of the instructional program. Collaboration in both research and teaching has led to ties with other programs, including the Department of Biological Sciences, the Environmental Studies Program, the Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences, and several departments in the School of Engineering.
For students interested in pursuing careers in the earth and environmental sciences, the department offers B.A., B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. In addition, the student may follow the geology concentration offered but the Environmental Studies Program or may choose to minor in the Earth Sciences. Many graduates now hold positions in industry as environmental consultants or petroleum geologists, in government as managers or researchers, and in academia as faculty and researchers. The B.A. degree is recommended for students interested in the earth sciences but who intend to pursue careers in other fields, such as business, law, education or other professions.
The Los Angeles and Southern California areas have a diverse geology, enabling students to gain broad, first-hand knowledge of geological processes. The department conducts field trips to study Southern California geology, maintains a seismic network in the Los Angeles basin for earthquake research and has access to oceanographic vessels for marine research. Many state-of-the-art laboratory instruments are available for use in research and instruction.
USC is at the heart of Los Angeles, adjacent to Exposition Park and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and less than 3 miles from Downtown. Hollywood is less than 10 miles to the north, and the southern California beaches are only 15 miles west. The Earth Sciences Department is located in Science Hall on Trousdale Parkway, the main campus thoroughfare. The University bookstore and several campus restaurants, cafeterias and student services are within a five minutes walk. A map of USC and the Department of Earth Sciences is available for easily locating us just south of downtown Los Angeles.
