Deep geology. Serious quantitative skills. Real-world datasets.
A B.S. in Geophysics provides an exceptional combination of advanced quantitative training with a comprehensive foundation in geology. Students complete rigorous coursework in physics, mathematics, programming, and computational modeling while also taking nearly the full core geology curriculum—including mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and sedimentology. This integration helps graduates solve complex Earth and planetary problems with both analytical precision and geological insight.
Geophysicists detect physical signals (e.g., seismic waves, gravity, magnetic, and electrical anomalies) and use physics-based and computational models to infer subsurface structure and processes, from shallow subsurface to deep core, from Earth to planets. They are in high demand across energy, environmental, engineering, and resource sectors because they can both interpret rocks and model the physics governing geologic processes—translating geologic complexity into quantitative predictions.
Skills You’ll Build
- Programming and data analysis (e.g., Python) applied to real geophysical datasets
- Geophysical methods and signal processing (seismic, gravity, magnetic, electromagnetic)
- Numerical modeling, inversion, and uncertainty-aware interpretation
- High-performance computing and physics-based simulation (computational geophysics)
- Field survey design, data acquisition, and integration with geologic context
- Scientific communication: clear visuals, technical writing, and presentations
Coursework
The first two years are similar to the B.S. in Geology, building foundations in geology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In upper-level courses, you apply math and physics to theoretical and applied geophysics, and you can tailor technical electives to your interests.
To remain in satisfactory academic standing, students must maintain a 2.0 or better GPA in all technical courses (geology, geophysics, chemistry, math, and physics).
Hands-On Learning
Across the curriculum, students gain hands-on experience with programming and the analysis of real datasets.
- Senior capstone (GEOL 450): team-based research with a faculty advisor using real datasets and quantitative analysis to solve a current problem and communicate results
- Undergraduate research for credit (GEOP 291 / GEOP 491): work with faculty on data-driven projects involving coding, modeling, and interpretation
- Field and data experiences: some courses include field trips and data acquisition followed by computational processing, visualization, and interpretation
Careers
A B.S. in Geophysics prepares graduates for careers that combine quantitative analysis with Earth science insight. Geophysicists are valued because they can interpret geologic systems while also modeling the physical processes that shape them.
Energy and the subsurface (traditional and emerging)
- Subsurface imaging and characterization using seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electromagnetic methods
- Applications include oil and gas, geothermal energy, CCUS, and underground energy storage (e.g., hydrogen)
- Computational geophysics: numerical simulation, high-performance computing, digital subsurface prediction, and reservoir-scale modeling
Environmental, water, and sustainability
- Groundwater mapping and contamination assessment
- Monitoring subsurface storage sites (e.g., CO₂ sequestration and nuclear waste storage) and long-term integrity
- Natural hazards and resilience: assessing and monitoring earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic hazards; quantitative risk (including insurance applications)
- Supporting climate resilience and sustainable land-use decisions
Engineering, infrastructure, and resources
- Geotechnical and site investigations for construction and infrastructure; quantitative risk assessment and geotechnical analysis
- Offshore and coastal development support
- Critical minerals and rare-earth element exploration
- Planetary surface and subsurface modeling for space exploration missions
Government, public service, and national labs
- Hazard monitoring, resource assessment, and environmental stewardship
- Large-scale data analysis and science support for public decision-making; national security monitoring
- Employers may include the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), NOAA, NASA, national laboratories, and state geological surveys
Non-profit and policy
- Evaluating scientific evidence and communicating uncertainty for sustainability, hazard mitigation, and climate resilience decisions
- Bridging science, data, and decision-making through analysis, visualization, and risk assessment
Graduate school, education, and research
- Preparation for M.S./Ph.D. programs and research careers in academia, national labs, and interdisciplinary fields
- Opportunities that can lead to teaching, outreach, and science communication pathways
Example job titles:
- Seismic Imaging / Processing Analyst
- Subsurface / Exploration Geophysicist
- Near-Surface / Environmental Geophysicist
- Geothermal Exploration Geophysicist
- CCUS / Subsurface Monitoring Specialist
- Computational Geophysicist / Subsurface Modeling Scientist
- Hydrogeophysics Consultant
- Engineering Geophysics / Geotechnical Consultant
- Earth Data Scientist (Geoscience)
- Hazard Analyst / Seismologist (government or lab pathway)
Popular Student Pathways
- Petroleum industry (oil and gas exploration)
- Energy transition (geothermal, CCUS, subsurface storage)
- Natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides)
- Environmental and engineering consulting
- Computational geophysics and Earth data science (HPC, AI/ML, digital subsurface prediction)
- Graduate school and research