Internal department guides, policies, forms, and tools can be found on the ESS Intranet.
ESS Intranet
College of the Environment Academic Policies
For Undergraduate Students
Degree Planning Forms and Resources
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to participate in research at ESS. Research greatly enriches a student’s undergraduate experience and provides opportunities to extend across disciplines, develop transferable skills such as written and oral communication and critical thinking, and begin to build relationships with the scientific community.
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Applying to Graduate School
Certain scientific jobs in academia, government, or industry require a graduate degree (Masters degree or PhD). While you are an undergraduate student, think about your career goals and evaluate if a graduate education is something you would like to pursue. Start by asking yourself what your long-term goals are and if graduate school is required or will help you achieve them. If you are interested in applying to graduate school, we encourage to make an appointment with Student Services. Even more important, seek advice from current ESS graduate students, postdocs, and faculty. Hearing about their experiences is invaluable.
Geologist License Education Requirements
A professional license is required to be a Geologist in Washington State. In order to obtain your license, you must pass the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology exam.
To qualify to take the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam, you must meet the education requirements through a degree or equivalent course work. Specific course requirements and ESS equivalents can be found by following the button below.
Department Recommended Preparation
Secondary Teaching Endorsement in Earth Sciences
Candidates to UW Seattle’s Teacher Education Program through the College of Education who seek an endorsement in Earth & Space Sciences can meet with an ESS Academic Adviser for coursework evaluation. Once you have completed all course work for the secondary teaching endorsement in Earth & Space Sciences and/or General Science, one of our academic advisers can sign your Endorsement Evaluation which accompanies your application to the UW Teacher Education Program (TEP).
Learn more about the Secondary Teaching Endorsement
Study Abroad Resources
All important information and resources pertaining to studying abroad can be found at UW Study Abroad.