Earth Science Program

faculty member pointing to a map of the weather

The Earth Science program provides opportunities for students to explore the fundamentals of earth science through astronomy, geology, hydrology, oceanography and meteorology. Each earth science course fulfills the general education requirement for non-science and science majors. 

Depending on the pathway you choose, earth science courses involve geology of the earth, climate and global change, introduction to the solar system, hydrology and oceanography.

Earth sciences focuses on global, dynamic and innovative issues. A combination of hands-on lab experiences as well as online instruction in labs and non-labs is offered. Follow a pathway in earth sciences or graduate with a general Associate in Science degree.

Choose an Earth Science Program

faculty member pointing to a map of the weather

Astronomy

Discover the structure and evolution of the solar system, birth, life, and death of stars, properties of galaxies and main concepts of cosmology.

faculty member pointing to a map of the weather

Geology

Understand the earth's interior and learn about heat flow, the earth's magnetic field, earthquakes and more.

faculty member pointing to a map of the weather

Hydrology

Investigate and analyze the impacts of population growth, urbanization, weather and climate upon hydrological processes and water resource sustainability.

faculty member pointing to a map of the weather

Meteorology

Learn about all aspects of meteorology including solar radiation, global circulation, environmental issues, winds, stability, precipitation processes, weather systems and severe weather.

COD Stories

1 / n
Matthew Bonnan
COD felt very personal, and the professors really cared about you.
Matthew Bonnan Read Matthew Bonnan's story
Damonte Woodall
Everyone at COD will be more than happy to help you, and they want you to know that you are not alone.
Damonte Woodall Read Damonte Woodall's story
Pierson Lipschultz
COD has given me the environment to grow as a leader, something I have always really wanted to work on.
Pierson Lipschultz Read Pierson Lipschultz's story
Karissa Klos
I went into it just to meet a science requirement. I came out of it knowing that it was what I wanted to do.
Karissa Klos Read Karissa Klos's story
Julianne Fernandez
Everything I’m doing now I first learned about at College of DuPage.
Julianne Fernandez Read Julianne Fernandez's story
Christine Wielgos
Because of all the meteorology classes that were offered at COD, I definitely felt that I had a distinct advantage when I transferred to Northern Illinois University.
Christine Wielgos Read Christine Wielgos's story
People on stairway

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re exploring, applying or planning your path, COD makes it easy to get started.

ApplySteps to Enrollment