Environmental science (major)

Environmental Science for Undergraduates at Columbia College? It does exist, if you know where to find it. The Department of Earth and Environmental Science (DEES) is located on the 5th floor of Schermerhorn. Don't expect to find many professors' offices there. Most professors spend the majority of their time working at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. They come to Columbia's main campus to teach their class and hold their office hour. To make up for the complete lack of professorial presence on campus, the department office provides friendly and helpful advice. Most professors are also very responsive to email and phone calls.

Until recently the Environmental Science Department was known as the Geology Department, and the classes offered reflect this history. The classes also reflect the research interests of the Lamont scientists. Lamont is especially known for its oceanography, paleoclimate, and geology research. Even with this bias, the department allows undergraduates to pursue subjects of interest, and they offer additional courses in aquatic, atmospheric, biologic, and policy studies. A major must choose one of three areas of concentration within environmental science: chemical/biological; physical; or geological. Once a student has chosen a direction, the two advisors are flexible and reasonable about designing a program. They are willing to make substitutions in major requirements based on the students' specific interests.

There is quite a significant "core" of required courses, but most are useful and necessary for a solid background in earth science. The three "intro" courses are actually quite difficult and involve at least their 4.5 points worth of work. Taking chemistry and physics before the "Climate System" or "Solid Earth System" is highly recommended. Many of the DEES classes are only offered every other year which makes planning a program challenging and necessary. The department also accepts courses from Barnard's Environmental Science Department (which is steadily growing) and their Chemistry Department. Also look for courses in Biology and in Environmental Biology. Many upper level courses are quite small (10 students) and have a significant number of graduate students. However, the professors try to cater to the level of the undergraduates.

Senior majors are required to write a thesis based on original data in their spring term. This source of stress and anxiety can be reduced by starting early. Working at Lamont is an excellent place to get data for your thesis. Many scientists are very willing to provide undergraduates access to research and lab experience. In general, the resources of this department are extensive. With a little initiative, your undergraduate experience can give you a solid foundation in earth science. Decide what you want to study, and the department will support you in your pursuit.