Best Graduate Programs in Geophysics and Seismology - Updated 2021

The department offers a coterminal M.S. degree for students wishing to obtain more specialized training in Geophysics than is normally possible during study for the B.S. degree alone. A M.S. degree should be considered as the professional degree in Geophysics and is aimed at students wishing to work in a related industry, or students desiring a more focused academic study in the field than the B.S. program allows.

in: Treatise on Geophysics, Volume 1: Seismology and Structure of the Earth Vol.

Work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geology is designed to give the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of his or her professional field and training in methods of research. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages.

The Geophysics offers both traditional, research-oriented graduate programs and non-thesis education programs designed to meet specific career objectives. The program of study is selected by the student, in consultation with an advisor, and with thesis committee approval, according to the student’s career needs and interests.

The accelerated master’s degree program allows highly motivated students to begin earning hours towards a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in geophysics while completing a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics (B.S.G.P.). The program requires the same number of credits and level of work as the current bachelor’s and master’s (thesis option) degree programs, but allows an approved number of 5000 level courses to be counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

We offer a rare international perspective on geoscience through our INVOGE (International Geological Master in Volcanology Geotechniques) program, which offers broad-based training in volcanology and geotechniques as well as a year spent studying abroad in France or Italy. The geophysics program is highly quantitative, requiring a firm background in mathematics and physics. Students will study the earth through physical measurements, employing theory, laboratory and or field experimentation, and modeling. This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor.

Master’s Degree Program M.S. in Geophysics with a Specialization in Petroleum Geophysics Cohort 23 (Summer Semester 2019 Summer Semester 2020). Future Cohorts: This program is run in cohorts, a set curriculum with students following through each course together in the total curriculum (see schedule below). Geology cohorts are currently even numbered and Geophysics cohorts are currently odd numbered. Mid-stream admissions are possible by permission only and are not encouraged.

The Geology and Geophysics Department Graduate Student Orientation August 16, 2019 is also important. This orientation session is required and will be followed by a department-wide reception. You should have received information from the Graduate Division describing on-campus housing options for both single students and those with families. Most students opt to live off-campus in a shared house or condo.

The ultimate goal of our MS programs in Geology and Geophysics is to produce students who have the capacity to develop and perform research at the cutting edge of the geological sciences as professionals in industry and in the government. We also expect MS students in Geology and Geophysics to have well developed skills in scientific communication and be able to converse effectively both to peers and to the general public. Students in the MS program will receive a quality graduate education, including specialized technical training in a core discipline that is current, relevant, practical, and personal. MS students who graduate with appropriate grades will be able to compete successfully for admission to PhD programs at graduate schools worldwide.

Graduate assistantships and fellowships including tuition and fee waivers are funded from three sources: appropriated state funds, endowments, and research grants and contracts. Information on graduate fellowships funded by research grants and contracts is available from the Coordinator of the geophysics graduate program. GeosciencesGeophysics, DoctorateGeosciences, DoctorateEarth Science, Master’sGeophysics, Master’sGeoscience, Master’sGeographic Information Analysis, Certificate.