伦斯勒（Rensselaer）是北美第一所专门从事技术和科学教学的学校，而地球科学是纳入该学校课程的首批主题之一。美国最早的地质学家阿莫斯·伊顿（Amos Eaton）是RPI的主要创始人之一，他通过培训许多早期的地球科学研究领导者，迅速建立了学校的科学声誉。我们的现代系秉承着这一自豪的传统，在科学理解的最前沿对学生进行教育;科学（物理，化学，地质，生物学）和数学（微积分）的知识需要从根本上理解自然系统。一个特定的科学领域（即地质，生物学，化学，物理学，数学或计算机科学），足以进行有意义的研究和对影响自然
Rensselaer was the first school in North America dedicated to instruction in technology and science, and earth science was one of the first topics incorporated into the school curriculum. America's earliest preeminent geologist, Amos Eaton, was one of the principle founders of RPI, and he quickly established the school's reputation in science by training a number of the early leaders in earth science research. Our modern department carries on this proud tradition, educating students at the forefront of scientific understanding.Knowledge of science (physics, chemistry, geology, biology) and mathematics (calculus) needed to understand natural systems at a fundamental level.In-depth knowledge in one particular field of science (i.e. geology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or computer science) that is sufficient to allow meaningful study and insight into problems affecting natural systems.An appreciation for Earth Systems, in particular, knowledge of their interconnectedness and their natural and human-induced changes through time (Earth Systems include the oceans, atmosphere, solid Earth and sub-systems thereof).An appreciation for and knowledge of the societal context of science and the far-reaching impact of solid-Earth issues in society.