About the Department

Empower your future with hands-on experiences, a curriculum for change-makers, and cutting-edge research and innovation.

As one of the most diverse Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences departments in the world, we're excited to guide you on an educational journey to explore planet Earth. If you're ready to step out of the textbook and into the real world, we want you to join us. It's not just about earning a degree; it's about becoming an environmental steward and shaping a better future for us all. Your journey toward transforming the world starts here!


 

In our many choices of undergraduate and graduate programs, you will...

 

1. Gain experiences beyond the classroom.

Students and researchers at EOAS are hands-on learners. We provide ample opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world issues. Whether it's through engaging fieldwork, laboratory-based research, cutting-edge computing, and data science, or interactions with professionals and policymakers, you will find that our programs are designed with your future and society’s needs in mind.

 

2. Learn with a curriculum for change-makers.

As an EOAS student, you will experience an extraordinary journey into the intricacies of our planet. You will develop the knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary for rewarding careers that will contribute to addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, environmental stewardship, sustainable resource use, and enhancing the safety and well-being of societies.

 

3. Lead the way in research and innovation.

But education is just the beginning. EOAS is home to cutting-edge research and innovation. From understanding our oceans, landforms, and atmosphere, to managing resources and mitigating natural hazards, our faculty and students are at the forefront of answering some of society’s most important questions about Earth, our natural and lived environments, and beyond.
 

Our Mission

Our researchers address fundamental and applied science questions from the depths of planet Earth to the outer reaches of the solar system. As leaders in research as well as Earth science education, our mission is to deliver new knowledge and learning at all levels, from public outreach through undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral experiences in subjects that span all scientific disciplines.

 

Our Vision

We aspire to employ true inter-disciplinary collaboration to advance our scientific understanding of Earth’s Systems and apply that knowledge to guide society’s actions regarding complex issues such as stewardship of Earth’s resources, climate change and others. This vision will be pursued through high impact research, exemplary education, public engagement, and interactions with off-campus collaborators from all sectors.

A Brief History


  • In 1996, faculty members of 4 science departments: Geophysics and Astronomy, Geological Sciences, and Oceanography, decided to merge their learnings and form a new department called The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences.
  • In 2006, the atmospheric scientists, who had been cross-appointed with Geography, became full-time faculty members.
  • In 2012, the department's name was changed to the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS).


    During its 25 years of operation, EOAS grew and thrived under Heads of Department: Robert Ellis (1996–2000), Paul Smith (2000 – 2009), Greg Dipple (2009 – 2014), Roger Beckie (2014 – 2019), Philippe Tortell​ (2019 – 2024), and Erik Eberhardt (2024 - present).