Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation across physical geology, geochemistry, geophysics, sedimentology, paleontology and surface processes, while allowing students to pursue specialised interests. Core elements typically include mineralogy and petrology, structural geology and tectonics, sedimentary systems, earth materials and geochemical methods, and an introduction to geophysics and remote sensing.

Laboratory classes emphasise practical skills in rock and mineral identification, thin‑section microscopy, geochemical analysis and GIS. Field courses and multi‑day field trips are a distinctive feature, giving students direct experience in mapping, stratigraphic measurement and site‑based interpretation in a variety of terrains.

Upper‑level study is flexible and research‑oriented: students select advanced electives such as hydrogeology, climate and paleoclimate, sedimentary basin analysis, planetary geology, environmental geochemistry, and applied geophysics. Most majors complete an independent senior thesis or capstone research project under faculty supervision, integrating field, laboratory and quantitative techniques.

Entry requirements

Dartmouth seeks applicants with a strong academic record and evidence of preparation in mathematics and the natural sciences. Successful applicants typically have completed high school courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics (calculus or pre‑calculus) and have taken laboratory science classes.

Applications are evaluated holistically: academic transcripts, teacher recommendations (especially from science or mathematics teachers), personal essays and extracurricular engagement are all considered. Prospective international students should demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or equivalent experience where required. For transfer applicants, college transcripts and evidence of success in relevant college‑level science courses are expected.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers. Typical paths include environmental consulting, hydrogeology, natural resource exploration and development, geotechnical and engineering roles, and positions with government agencies and non‑profits focused on natural hazards, land use and environmental management. Many alumni pursue graduate study in earth sciences, environmental science, engineering or related disciplines; others apply their quantitative and analytical training to careers in data science, finance, policy and education.

The departmental emphasis on undergraduate research, field experience and quantitative skills helps prepare students for both immediate employment and competitive graduate‑level programmes.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth’s Earth Sciences programme is embedded within a liberal arts environment that prioritises close faculty mentorship and undergraduate research. Class sizes are small, enabling personalised supervision for laboratory work and senior thesis projects. The college’s location provides ready access to diverse New England geology for frequent fieldwork, and the department organises extended field trips to other regions for exposure to different geological settings.

Students benefit from opportunities to collaborate with faculty on active research, access to campus research facilities and computing resources, and cross‑disciplinary connections across environmental studies, engineering, and public policy. The college’s alumni network and career services support internships and job placement in both the public and private sectors.