Earth and Space Science
- Department of Earth and Space Science
- Success Stories
- Faculty Profiles
- Academic Catalog: (Course Descriptions)
Division: Natural Science
Department: Earth and Space Science
Earth and Space Science - A set of geologic studies concerned with the origin, structure, and physical phenomena of the Earth as well as the phenomena that occurs in the upper atmosphere, in space, or on celestial bodies other than Earth.
Do you like physics, geology, and meteorology? Are you intrigued by the vast night sky?
Why Earth and Space Science?
Earth and Space Science is more than just the study of our planet; it's also about looking past our own existence and into what lies beyond our world. Studying our solar system, the planets and other celestial bodies contained within, and even the universe can help piece together our own way of life and provide a new prospective.
Why Earth and Space Science at SJC?
Variety: The Department of Earth and Space Science offers a minor in Earth and Space Science and supports other major programs within the Division of Natural Sciences.
The Department consists mainly of Geology and Meteorology courses that are designed to introduce students to the array of the earth's natural phenomena and broaden their appreciation and understanding of these environmental systems while serving as a foundation to students pursuing an Earth/Space Science teaching license.
The other main component of the Department of Earth and Space Science is Physics courses that are designed to help students attain an understanding and appreciation of the fundamental laws of nature and how they apply in everyday life, gain competence in the use of physics as a tool in the natural sciences, and prepare for work in graduate and professional school or secondary teaching.
Dedication to Excellence: At SJC, you will be challenged. Earth and Space science students at SJC spend much of their time in the newly renovated laboratories, outside the classroom gaining field experience, and in the library doing research.
Earth/Space Science Teaching: A minor in Earth Science coupled with a minor in Education can lead to a double license to teach Earth/Space Science at the middle school, junior high, and high school levels. The minimum requirements for a teaching license in Earth/Space Science are a major and minor or a group major in the Natural Science Division as well as an education minor.
Hands-on Experience: At SJC, we take pride in providing our students with the hands-on experience they need to survive in the work force. The Department of Earth and Space Science provides many opportunities to get involved out of the classroom. Students are able to work with laboratory equipment during their first year at SJC, and Department faculty encourages all of their students to pursue internships. (Success Stories)
Faculty and Class Size: The Division of Natural Science consists of professors who each hold at least one terminal degree and doctorate degree in their fields of expertise. Ranging from 10 to 20 students, the average class size is small, allowing faculty members to become involved with off-campus projects in order to bring new knowledge to their students. (Faculty Profiles)
