Understanding our planet means studying the solid earth, freshwater, oceans and human connections to these systems. In the SEOE, we pursue this knowledge through active research and share it through education and community outreach.
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Academics
Build a foundation for earth-focused careers with undergraduate and graduate programs in environment and sustainability, geology and marine science.
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Research
Our research labs and field centers collect and analyze data vital to understanding our world.
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Beyond the Classroom
To truly understand the Earth, you must explore it. That’s why fieldwork and study abroad are central to how our students learn.
Ocean Research
Faculty and students pursue oceanographic research worldwide, spanning biogeochemistry, paleoceanography, organic chemistry, satellite oceanography, and environmental and societal responses to climate change in past and present environments.
Explore all our research areasBeing able to observe and correctly interpret what is going on in the ground is extremely important. All the skills I got to work on in field camp are almost directly transferable to my dream career.
Department News
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SEOE researchers dig into climate connections
Follow USC oceanographer Annie Bourbonnais as she explores how climate change leaves its mark in unexpected places — from the Arctic Ocean to stormwater ponds across South Carolina.
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Setting sail on a dream
Brandi Revels, USC marine chemistry alumna, turned her love of science and adventure into a career as chief scientist aboard the Viking Polaris, exploring Earth’s wonders from South Carolina to the far corners of the globe.
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USC alum explores Titanic sub
Hunting ocean fungi rather than ocean liner wreckage, Julianne McHenry came up with sea floor samples key in ongoing research project.
