Undergraduate

As one of the top integrated geosciences department in the country, we offer our students a breadth of education — and opportunity — that can’t be found anywhere else.

The World Is Yours

The Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS) is an internationally recognized hub of excellence for geoscientific research and education. We’re dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the Earth and everything that’s in it: its rock and soil, its oceans and atmosphere, its global biodiversity.

NC State is one of the few universities where you can study all of the above under one roof. Our students work across disciplines and alongside world-renowned faculty to tackle the grand challenges facing our world — from sudden events like floods, earthquakes and hurricanes, to slow-moving, complex crises like water and air pollution, coastal erosion and climate change.

Our graduates go out into the world ready to succeed. Through regular field work, undergraduate research, professional development and internships, we will help them to become the leaders and pioneers our planet needs.

Admissions

Apply to become an undergraduate.

Undergraduate Programs

Discover the study areas and degrees we offer.

Transfer Students

Learn how to make the switch to MEAS.

From the Mountains to the Sea

North Carolina is a remarkably diverse setting for geoscientific study — and NC State is situated at its heart. The university lies just a few hours’ drive from both the mountains and the coast, and it offers abundant opportunities for research and learning, whether on campus or off.

Our department enjoys access to a wealth of resources: NC State’s award-winning Centennial Campus, neighboring universities, the national hub that is Research Triangle Park, and state and federal entities that include the Center for Marine Science and Technology, the NC State Climate Office, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Southeast Regional Climate Center.

Raleigh has been named a top destination for graduate students, young professionals and their families, and the area is home to countless career possibilities.

Research

There are many opportunities for our undergraduate students to gain valuable research experience. Some work with our faculty in research labs. Others join field campaigns. And many students actively participate in research experiences for undergraduates (REUs) programs at national labs and other universities.

6:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Our undergraduates enjoy face to face learning with experts in the field.

Meet the People of MEAS

Advising

All students get personalized advice in academic matters; from planning coursework to applying for jobs and graduate school. Maggie Puryear, our associate director of undergraduate programs, advises incoming freshmen and transfer students. After freshman year, all students are assigned individual faculty members for advisement.