About
About
In the Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, students and faculty work together to acquire the scientific knowledge and tools required to understand and address the intriguing problems of the Earth and climate systems, which are both timely and timeless. Through studying complex interrelationships among the Earth's atmosphere, ocean, surface environments, plate tectonics, and biosphere, our curriculum prepares our students to transition into a variety of career tracks spanning the government, non-profit, private and academic sectors including environmental consulting, natural resources and energy sectors, coastal management, civil service, K-12 education, and data analysis.
The Department of Earth and Climate Sciences offers two majors: Earth Science (focused on the solid Earth and environments) and Climate Science (focused on the ocean, atmosphere, and climate.) Both majors require three introductory ECS courses, at least five upper-level ECS courses, plus an additional two ECS courses (one of which can be at any level.) We also offer a minor in Earth and Climate Sciences.
Our curriculum is designed to teach students to navigate and solve complex environmental challenges, bridging foundational knowledge with cutting-edge research and immersive learning experiences. You can learn more about our courses linked here. We recommend that students interested in pursuing ECS begin by taking either ECS 1 (Introduction to Earth, Resources, and Environments) in the fall, or ECS 3 (Introduction to Climate Science) in the spring.
Mission Statement
The Department of Earth and Climate Sciences at Tufts University is dedicated to advancing understanding of the Earth system through an integrative approach that combines education, research, and experiential learning. By offering a deep-time perspective on today’s pressing challenges of climate change and energy sustainability we prepare students to critically evaluate the complex interplay of Earth’s systems while grappling with uncertainty and fostering connections between the solid Earth, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Our programs are rooted in immersive, transformative experiences, both in and out of the classroom, leveraging cutting-edge research, fieldwork, and technology to inspire and engage students of all levels and interests. We offer a modern adaptable curriculum rooted in timeless principles and timely research. Through a dynamic and integrated curriculum, we prepare students to navigate and solve complex environmental challenges, bridging foundational knowledge with cutting-edge research. Our vibrant academic ecosystem supports undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty across all stages of their academic journey. We emphasize mentorship, both formal and informal, to build a close-knit community of scholars who thrive on curiosity, collaboration, and excellence.
As a department, we are committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with other departments at Tufts, while also deepening our connections with local organizations, community groups, and other universities. This collaborative spirit extends to our alumni network, ensuring strong career pipelines and lifelong engagement. Through our teacher-scholar model, we empower students to envision themselves as scientists and active contributors to society.
Our mission is to serve as hub for innovation and foundational research in the Earth and Climate Sciences within the university and broader community, fostering a scientifically competent society with the knowledge, skills, and creativity needed for a sustainable global future.
