Geophysics and Seismology
Overview
Geophysics and seismology programs teach people the physics of solids and how they are used to study the Earth and other planets.Geophysics and seismology programs teach people to solve geologic problems using physics and math. Students learn about electrical, magnetic, radioactive, and gravitational measurements. They also learn geophysical techniques for locating natural resources. In addition, they study environmental hazards such as earthquakes.
Geophysics and seismology programs include topics such as:
- Earthquake forecasting
- Electrical properties of solid bodies
- Magnetrometry
- Plate tectonics
- Remote sensing
- Laboratory simulations of geological processes
- Geodesy
- Hydrology
Schools
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in geophysics and seismology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in geophysics and seismology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Chemistry
- Geochemistry
- Geological and Earth Sciences
- Geological and Geophysical Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Hydrology and Water Resources Science
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Oceanography
- Physical Sciences, General
- Physics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Materials Engineers
- Mining Engineers
- Petroleum Engineers
- Physicists
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Advanced Calculus courses
- Advanced Chemistry courses
- Advanced Physics courses
- Computer Science and Programming
- General Computer Applications
- Geology
- Probability and Statistics
- Technical Writing
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in physics, geophysics, or related field, good grades, and good test scores. If your degree is in physics, you may be required to complete certain prerequisite undergraduate geology courses.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
- Statement of research interest and personal goals
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal interview
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Differential Equations
- Earth Dynamics
- Earth Processes
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Engineering Mathematics
- English Composition
- General Geophysics
- Linear Algebra
- Numerical Analysis
- Partial Differential Equations
- Physics
- Principles of Geology
- Seismology
- Stratigraphy
- Structural Geology
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate students usually specialize in a particular application or area of geophysics. Typical courses vary by specialty. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Field or lab work
- Thesis (some master's degrees)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Students interested in geophysics can benefit from student internships or summer programs. Look for positions with geophysical consulting firms, or state or US Geological Surveys.
Some geophysicists spend their time outdoors studying various features of the Earth. Others spend their time indoors using computers for modeling and calculations.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Applied Geosciences
- Earth and Space Sciences
West Side Area
Western Washington University
- Geophysics