The Department of Earth Sciences includes a wide spectrum of 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 recent perturbations caused by humans. Issues of societal concern related to seismic risk, climate change, environmental contamination and other geologic hazards play an important role.

The department is committed to emphasizing both educational and research programs and views these efforts as complementary. Instruction is offered on several levels from introductory classes for non-science majors, undergraduate courses that are appropriate for undergraduates majoring in earth sciences or other science and engineering disciplines, and for graduate classes appropriate for advanced degrees. Classes beyond the introductory level are usually small, permitting personalized instruction. Field trips are an important part of the instructional program.

Two research centers are affiliated with the department: the Southern California Earthquake Center and the Wrigley Institute of Environmental Studies. The graduate program is closely linked with these research efforts, and both graduate and undergraduate students participate in research projects. Collaboration in both research and teaching has led to ties with other programs related to other fields of science.
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, students may follow the geology concentration offered by the Environmental Studies Program. 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 or education.

The Los Angeles and Southern California areas have a diverse geology, enabling students to gain broad, first-hand knowledge of geological processes. Many state-of-the-art laboratory instruments are available for use in research and instruction.