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What is Geophysics and Seismology?

Geophysics and Seismology is a field of study in natural science that is focused on the physical properties and physical processes associated with the Earth.

The study of Geophysics includes Earth’s magnetic fields, internal structure, gravitational fields, internal composition, dynamics, plate tectonics, volcanism, rock formation, water cycle, fluid dynamics, electricity, atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere, and relationship with other planets.

Seismology is the study of earthquakes and the associated elastic waves through Earth and other planets.  The field of seismology includes seismic sources and environmental effects such as: volcanic, tectonic, tsunami, oceanic, atmospheric, earthquakes, and artificial sources.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$106,390

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

65.16%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

30,420

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Geophysics and Seismology Degree

With more than 17,000 students on its campus in Chicago, Illinois, the University of Chicago is an urban research university that is deeply committed to empowering students to challenge conventional thinking and seek innovative ideas. Since 1890, the university has been developing the critical, analytical, and writing skills of its students through its rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum in various disciplines.

The Geophysical Sciences undergraduate program at Chicago’s Department of the Geophysical Sciences is a unique program that involves the study of the earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences. Some of the topics covered in the program are science and dynamics of the atmosphere, oceans, and ice sheets, the origin and history of the Earth, past and present climate change, properties of the deep interior of the Earth, and the evolution and geography of life. Students may choose to take the program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree where they can get a more intensive curriculum which is ideal for those who want to pursue graduate studies in these disciplines. The Bachelor of Arts degree, on the other hand, offers a wide range of electives in the fields related to geophysical sciences such as environmental policy, medicine, law, business, and education. Consult about each program’s requirements at geosci.uchicago.edu.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University is among the top and leading research universities in the country known for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Since its founding in 1741, the university has been providing an innovative learning environment to more than 15,000 students to enhance their curiosity, creativity, and intellectual joy.

Offered by one of the best research departments in the country, the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Brown offers excellent undergraduate programs in the fields of geosciences, geology-biology, geochemistry, and geophysics. The top rated Geophysics degree program that leads to either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, is a program that addresses the most pressing and fascinating topics such as global climate change, natural hazards, and internal structure and dynamics of the Earth. Both programs are suitable for students who want to study the Earth, its environment, and other planetary bodies, however, the Bachelor of Science option requires 5 additional courses compared to the BA. Access the entire program details at brown.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Stanford University is among the world’s leading private research universities situated in Stanford, California. Initially named the Leland Stanford Junior University on its founding in 1886,  the university aims to provide a broad liberal arts foundation as well as deep subject-area expertise to nearly 17,000 students to create a place suitable for learning, discovery, innovation, expression, and discourse.

The School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences at Stanford offers geophysics programs as a major, a minor, or a concentration for physics majors. With a combination of field-based classes and extensive research opportunities, the program fully prepares students for graduate school and careers in the industry, academia, and government. The Bachelor of Science in Geophysics aims to provide students with a broad spectrum of different areas in geophysics such as environmental geophysics, resource exploration, seismology, and tectonics. The curriculum contains mainly the fundamentals of math, physics, and geology which provides a solid foundation in absorbing advanced topics in geophysics. Physics majors within the university may also take a concentration in geophysics. Learn more about the program options at earth.stanford.edu.

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

With a goal to make a better world through education, research, and innovation, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts that was established in 1861. It offers various academic programs to advance knowledge and educate students in the areas of science, technology, and other disciplines.

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) at MIT offers challenging undergraduate and graduate programs in the geophysical sciences that prepare students in solving real-world problems through the application of concepts and tools in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The major in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences is a program that allows students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to quantify and model natural systems to analyze the behavior of different Earth systems. Students may choose from four areas of concentration namely Geoscience: Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geobiology, Atmosphere, Oceans, and Climate, Planetary Science and Astronomy, and Environmental Systems. Majors may also apply to the EAPS Fifth-Year Master of Science Degree which enables them to earn a graduate degree with an additional one year of study. Find out more about the programs mentioned at twelve.mit.edu.

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

The California Institute of Technology, commonly referred to as Caltech, is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. It is considered a world-renowned science and engineering institute that houses the brightest minds around the world to address fundamental scientific questions and the most pressing social challenges. Specifically, the university specializes in research in quantum science and engineering, human behavior, bioinformatics, and energy and sustainability.

Through Caltech’s Seismological Laboratory, the Division of Geological & Planetary Sciences (GPS) offers unique opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in academics and cutting-edge research in the field of geophysics. The Geophysics degree program is an undergraduate pathway that integrates concepts and tools in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics with courses in geophysics to better understand urgent and complex geophysical issues and challenges. There is also a 5-year Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geophysics for students who want a more advanced study in GPS. Go to gps.caltech.edu to check the requirements for both programs.

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

With 10 schools and divisions across various disciplines, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) is a private research university with campuses around St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1853, the university is committed to teaching, research, patient care, and service to society by preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and habits of lifelong learning and developing productive members of society.

The Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at WUSTL offers undergraduate programs that equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to understand the processes that shape the Earth and other bodies in the solar system. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, the program covers the concepts and tools in geology, petrology, mineralogy, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to assess and study diverse topics like the history of the Earth, early life on Earth, and evidence for water on Mars. The top ranked geophysics Major at WU is an area of study under the Earth and Planetary Sciences that utilizes quantitative tools and methods from physics and mathematics to understand the processes involved in the evolution of a planet Some of the core courses in the program are Earth and the Environment, Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment, and Earth Forces. For the complete curriculum of the program, visit eps.wustl.edu.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university in Los Angeles, California that intends to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge in various disciplines. It is considered the southern branch of the University of California System that was founded in 1919 to contribute to the development of our global society by committing to academic freedom.

The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences at UCLA offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of geophysics which covers areas such as gravity, seismology, thermal regime, tectonics, geomagnetism, geophysical fluid dynamics, and orbital dynamics. The Bachelor of Science in Geophysics provides a broad overview of the physical principles and quantitative methods used to explore the structures and dynamics of the Earth and other planetary bodies. The program curriculum involves courses in basic mathematics, geology, and physics as well as advanced topics in geophysics like earthquake physics, seismology, seismic exploration, and fault mechanics. The department also offers a graduate program in Geophysics and Space Physics for students who want to engage in the latest research in the field. Check more details about the program at epss.ucla.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Offering more than 350 programs in various fields, the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a public land-grant research university that is recognized as the top public university across the world. The campus in Berkeley, California is a home for the brightest minds around the world where they meet and collaborate to explore, inquire, and improve the quality of life of society. 

The BA in Seismology at UC Berkeley’s Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences is a program that provides students with the theoretical, field, and laboratory knowledge and skills required to understand geodynamic processes as well as the structure of the Earth and other planets. The program requires students to have a solid background in the physical sciences and mathematics with a focus on the physics of the Earth. The courses in the program are divided into the lower and upper divisions. The lower division consists of prerequisite courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology while the upper division contains advanced courses like Field Geology and Digital Mapping, Petroleum Geology, Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Strong Motion Seismology, and Electromagnetism and Optics. Explore the program at eps.berkeley.edu.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Now located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, Boston College (BC) is the first institution of higher learning to operate in Boston City in 1863 that was built by the Society of Jesus. Its primary purpose is to educate the predominantly Irish, Catholic immigrant community within the city. Today, BC is a global leader in broad and integrative liberal arts education, scientific inquiry, and student formation.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Boston College provides undergraduate and graduate programs that explore the processes involved in the evolution and development of the Earth. With a strong commitment to education and cutting-edge research program, students in the department are able to have a full understanding of the different areas in the Earth and Environmental Sciences which includes climate and environmental change, the science of water throughout the planet, and tectonics and dynamics of Earth’s interior. The two undergraduate programs offered by the department are Environmental Geoscience and Geological Sciences. The degree in Geophysics program that leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree is quite flexible as students can design their program of study based on their background and professional goals. With this, students may take subjects at the undergraduate level before or during the program. Students may also apply for the dual degree program of MS and Master of Business Administration in cooperation with the Carroll Graduate School of Management. Read more about the program options at bc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston University (BU) is a private research university that provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs on various disciplines grounded on the liberal arts and sciences. Founded in 1839 by the United Methodist Church, the university currently supports over 34,000 students on its two primary campuses in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Geophysics & Planetary Sciences at BU is a broad program that covers the principles of astronomy and geophysics to have a complete understanding of planetary geology, atmospheres, and interiors. Students in the program learn the proper analysis of astronomical information to be able to communicate them to different types of audiences. The program curriculum consists of required core courses like Earth Structure, Planetary Physics, Introduction to Climate and Earth System Science, Principles of Astronomy, Observational Astronomy, and Quantitative Geomorphology, as well as basic courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Some of the common research areas in the program are geophysics, seismology, geodynamics, and planetary sciences. Inquire about the program requirements at bu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Located in the heart of La Jolla, California, the University of California (UC) San Diego is recognized as one of the top 15 research universities in the world. The university, officially started operations in 1960, prepares and develops the leaders of the future through the generation and dissemination of knowledge and creative works in the areas of social sciences, business, engineering, and natural sciences.

Students in the Geophysics graduate program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography learn the fundamentals of the study of the Earth and other planetary bodies to address scientific questions and issues about their origin, structure, composition, and evolution. The Master of Science in Geophysics offers a broad curriculum in the fundamentals of geophysics as well as extensive research and coursework in different specializations. Students also experience a hands-on, collaborative academic environment in order to enhance their research skills through field experiments, laboratory investigations, and instrument development. There are two program options for the master’s degree: a thesis and a comprehensive exam. Check which pathway is right for you at scripps.ucsd.edu.

Acceptance Rate

31.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

As the flagship institution of the University of Texas System, the University of Texas at Austin, often called UT Austin, is a public research university founded in 1883. The university offers over 350 top-ranked national programs to more than 51,000 diverse students across 18 colleges and schools.

The Department of Geological Sciences at UT Austin offers a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences with five degree options that focus on the different areas and related disciplines in the field. Students may choose to concentrate in General Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science and Sustainability, and Teaching. The Geophysics and Seismology degree is a program that focuses on the seismic study of the deep Earth as well as research on hydrocarbon explorations. The program removes traditional subjects like paleobiology and adds basic and advanced courses in mathematics and physics. The department also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Geological Sciences which allows students to graduate with a double major in different disciplines such as business management, environmental law, and medicine. View the entire list of program options at jsg.utexas.edu.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara) is a public research university located in Santa Barbara, California. Officially established in 1958, UC Santa Barbara is among the ten campuses of the University of California system. The university has five schools offering more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and credentials.

With the goal of providing a solid understanding of the fundamentals of geological principles, the undergraduate programs offered by the Department of Earth Science at UC Santa Barbara covers the basic sciences, mathematics, and basic geology. The Bachelor of Science in Earth Science offers several emphases that allow students to choose their area of expertise based on their professional objectives. Some of the choices for emphasis are Geology, Climate and Environment, Geohydrology, Paleobiology, and Geophysics. The Geophysics emphasis consists of courses that introduce the quantitative and physical interpretation of complex Earth processes which requires advanced courses in math and physics. Some of the activities in the program are 3D imaging of the Earth’s interior, monitoring of volcanic activity, modelling of earthquake dynamics, and exploration of the interaction of Earth’s fluid and solid parts. View the program requirements at geol.ucsb.edu.

Acceptance Rate

29.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

With a total enrollment of almost 2,400, St. Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college in Canton, New York. Founded in 1856, it is the oldest continuously operating coeducational institution of higher learning in the state offering undergraduate and graduate programs with more than 100 majors and minors with the option to design a multi-field major.

St. Lawrence’s Department of Physics offers a unique program that allows students with an interest in geophysics to prepare for graduate study through an interdisciplinary major in geology and physics. While the program requires advanced coursework in both disciplines, there is still some flexibility in choosing courses in order to meet the specific needs and goals of students. Some of the courses in the program are Mineralogy, Structural Geology, University Physics, Classical Mechanics, and Mathematical Methods of Physics. Students may consult with the geology and physics departments for choosing electives that can widen their areas of expertise. To know more about how the program works, visit stlawu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

42.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Whitman College is a private residential liberal arts college based in Walla Walla, Washington that was founded as Whitman Seminary in 1859. As one of the best colleges in the city, the college embraces a diverse, close-knit community that values the power of relationships in discovering their role in society as well as in contributing to the improvement of lives around the world.

Jointly offered by the Physics and Geology departments at Whitman, the interdisciplinary major in Geology-Physics allows students with interests in both disciplines to take a specialized curriculum that fits their professional interests and goals. The program prepares students for graduate school as well as employment involving engineering and geophysics. The curriculum covers basic and advanced courses in geology, physics, math, and chemistry which builds a solid foundation in the earth sciences. This structure helps students understand different complex geological processes and issues like uplift and erosion, the formation of volcanoes and glaciers, and mineral and rock identification. Students also experience a one-of-a-kind fieldwork and research experience that gives them the opportunity to travel, explore, and apply their technical knowledge and skills in different parts of the world like Greenland, Bulgaria, Italy, Iceland, and many more. For more information about the program, go to whitman.edu.

Acceptance Rate

55.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

With the aim to preserve, advance, and disseminate knowledge, the University of Washington (UW) is among the oldest public research universities headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1861, it is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world, educating more than 54,000 students yearly through undaunted research and scholarship programs.

The Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences at UW’s College of the Environment is ideal for students with interests in geology and geophysics which they can use to enter graduate school or employment where field and technology experiences in the discipline are crucial. Students in the program may choose from four options namely Geology, Geoscience, Physics, and Biology. The Seismology and Geophysics covers different Earth processes, elements, and systems such as earthquakes, geomagnetism, volcanoes, plasma physics, space physics, lightning, ionosphere and magnetosphere, and glaciers and ice sheets. There is also a Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Sciences for students who want a broad understanding of the earth sciences in expanding their expertise and careers in environmental law, environmental policy, science journalism, and science education. Learn more about the programs at ess.washington.edu.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Commonly referred to as Mines, the Colorado School of Mines is a public research university in Golden, Colorado which also has the highest admissions standards among public universities in the United States. Founded in 1874, the school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of engineering, science, and mathematics with a focus on studies on earth, energy, and the environment.

The Department of Geophysics at Mines provides a program that integrates physics, geology, mathematics, signal processing, computer science, and many scientific disciplines to investigate the science behind the Earth, energy, and the environment. The Bachelor of Science in Geophysical Engineering allows students to analyze and assess different measurements collected at the Earth’s surfaces and other planetary bodies to infer the complex properties and processes within their interiors. The department also offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Geophysics and Geophysical Engineering. Check out the complete details for each program at geophysics.mines.edu.

Acceptance Rate

53.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas, Texas that is considered a global research institution with a solid liberal arts tradition. Founded by the United Methodist Church, it supports roughly 12,000 diverse students from all 50 states and 90 different countries with extensive research, leadership development programs, community service, and international study.

SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences offers a program in the Earth Sciences that leads to either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Both options provide students with the core courses necessary to build a solid background in geology, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and field techniques. The Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences offers concentrations in the areas of geology, geophysics, and environmental and resource sciences. Students may also design their unique major-concentration combination as the program pairs well with many disciplines. The Geophysics acamemic concentration involves courses like Introduction to Geophysics, Ordinary Differential Equations, Introductory Electricity and Magnetism, Introduction to Seismology, and Principles and Application of Remote Sensing. There is also a Master of Science in Geophysics offered by the college where interested students may pursue after their undergraduate education. More information regarding the programs can be found at smu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

As a part of the 23-member California State University system, San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California. The university, founded in 1897, has a student body of over 35,000 offering bachelor's, master’s, and doctorate programs in 100 different areas of study.

The Department of Geological Science at SDSU offers two options for undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Arts for students who want to gain an understanding of the geological sciences as a foundation for their careers in various areas, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree for students who intend to work as professional geologists and pursue graduate studies in the geosciences. The BS degree also offers several emphases such as General Geology, Engineering Geology, Environmental Geosciences, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, and Paleontology. The courses under the Geophysics emphasis cover the basic and advanced math, physics, biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as advanced coursework in different areas of geosciences. The department also offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics with an option to take the joint doctoral program in the Earthquake Science and Applied Geophysics at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. See the entire program curriculum at geology.sdsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Baylor University is a private Baptist research university situated in Waco, Texas that houses a diverse campus community of nearly 16,000 students from all over the world. Chartered in 1845, it is the oldest continually operating university in the state that is known for integrating interdisciplinary research and educational excellence through its 12 degree-granting academic division.

The Geophysics and Seismology Major at Baylor’s College of Arts and Sciences is a program that lets students study the complexity of Earth's resources and the environment. The program focuses on integrative and interdisciplinary study and research in the field of earth and planetary sciences. With a solid background in solid earth geophysics which includes earthquake seismology and seismic and potential field exploration, students grasp how the Earth works through the help of concepts and tools in geology, math, and physics. The program includes courses like Physical Geology, Geophysics, Earth Materials, Advanced Seismic Interpretation, and Geophysical Exploration. View the complete details about the program at baylor.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

With more than 50,000 students, the University of Minnesota (UMN) - Twin Cities is a public land-grant research university located in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota system and is one of the few universities that houses engineering, medical, veterinary medicine, law, and agricultural schools all on one campus.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UMN Twin Cities provides an undergraduate program in Earth Science that enables students to study climate and environmental change and natural hazards, as well as components and systems of the Earth like groundwater, oceans, earthquakes, tectonics, volcanoes, fossils, minerals, soils, sediments, and many more. The program combines concepts and tools from physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to infer quantitative insights into how the Earth works, how it evolved to its current state, and the different natural and anthropogenic changes that are constantly happening. Students may also choose a broad-based curriculum or a focused one on a specialization. Discover the complete details of each curriculum option at cse.umn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Tulsa (TU) is a private research university that in Oklahoma that has a historic affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. It was founded as the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls in 1882 and was later called Henry Kendall College. Classified as Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity, the university houses nearly 4,000 students enrolled in more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.

Students interested in geology, environmental geology, geophysics, and biogeosciences may take the undergraduate program offered by TU’s Department of Geosciences. The Bachelor of Science in Geosciences allows students to specialize in either geology, petroleum engineering, or environmental science. The Geology specialization provides students with the technical knowledge and tools needed to study Earth’s physical composition, structure, and processes. The program curriculum consists of basic courses in mathematical sciences, chemistry, physics, and geology as well as advanced courses in geology, geography, and geophysics. The department also offers a minor in Geosciences which provides a broad overview of the field of non-geosciences majors. More details about the program are available at engineering.utulsa.edu.

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Texas A&M University, chartered in 1876, is the first public institution of higher learning in Texas that continues to prepare future leaders by providing over 400 undergraduate and graduate programs as options for study. With its main campus in College Station, Texas, the university is among the largest institutions in the United States supporting more than 69,000 students in its main campus alone.

The College of Geosciences at Texas A&M offers a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics which allows students who want to pursue careers and graduate schools in energy and environmental industries and related disciplines to have a general overview of how the Earth system works. Through mastering the fundamentals of geology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics, students in the program are able to fully comprehend the advanced courses in math and physics which are essential for conducting study and research in theoretical and applied geophysics. Some of the courses in the program are Structural Geology and Tectonics, Geophysical Field Methods, Geophysical Signal Processing, Seismology, Near-surface Geophysics, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, and Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Access the list of program requirements at geoweb.tamu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Known as America’s fastest rising university, the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) is a public land-grant research university that can be found in Riverside, California. As part of the 10-campus University of California system, the university was established in 1907 as the Riverside Citrus Experiment Station and is now supporting more than 26,000 students from all over the world.

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Riverside aims to provide valuable education and extensive research opportunities to students interested in Earth dynamics and history, and planets and other bodies inside and outside of our solar system. The department offers three majors, all leading to a Bachelor of Science degree: Geology, Earth Sciences, and Geophysics. The Geophysics Major combines the fundamentals of geophysics with advanced topics like tectonics and seismology, supported by basic and advanced courses in classical physics, chemistry, biology, math, and statistics to study the structure, processes, and systems of the Earth. Different techniques used by geophysicists like measuring and modeling variations in gravity and magnetic field are also included in the program to train students in the actual activities of professional geophysicists. Visit epsci.ucr.edu to see the complete program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

56.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Saint Louis University (SLU) is a private Jesuit research university based in St. Louis, Missouri with international campuses in Spain. It was founded in 1818 as the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Saint Louis remains to have a strong commitment to faith and service as reflected in its world-class education, life-changing research, and compassionate health care system.

Offered by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at SLU, the Bachelor of Science in Geophysics gives students a firm foundation in solid Earth geosciences to study different components, systems, and properties of the planet. The program includes courses in mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and seismology which are all advanced courses that can build a strong foundation for graduate school or employment. Some of the courses in the program are Principles of Gravity and Magnetic Exploration, Principles of Seismic Exploration, Engineering Physics, Introduction to the Physics of the Solid Earth, and Principles of Electrical Exploration. Students also have access to the university’s Earthquake Center which forms part of a regional network that monitors the New Madrid seismic zone as well as a global network that monitors seismicity around the world. See more information about the program at slu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

How to Become a Seismologist

In order to become a seismologist, you will want to possess a latent curiosity about the world around you. Specifically, an intrigue and fascination of how earthquakes and elastics waves ripple through earth and the effects of those moments.

This natural curiosity will help spurn vital questions that lead to advancements in the field of study. Classes you will want to emphasize in college include physics, math, computer science, and geology.

Most professionals in seismology work closely with other scientists and professionals to collaborate and share information. The work environment will likely toggle between making observations and collecting data in the field with working in an office setting crunching numbers and validating theories.

Educational Requirements for Seismologists

In terms of educational requirements, Geophysics and Seismology degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Employment in Geophysics & Seismology

For students that earn a college degree in Geophysics and Seismology, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from civil engineer, conservation scientist, environmental engineer, geoscientist, landscape architect, surveyor, urban planner, geologist, materials scientist, environmental scientist, geoscientist, mathematician, hydrologist, physicist, post-secondary teacher, environmental engineer, petroleum engineer, astronomer, and atmospheric science in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Seismology Jobs & Career Outlook

The job growth in the Geophysics and Seismology domain are above average.  For example, the rate of job growth for Geophysics and Seismology is expected to rise 11% through 2024 and for postsecondary teachers a 13% growth rate is expected during the same period.

Given the nature of the Geophysics and Seismology degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include training, research, policy, field work, managing, leading, and directing.

Additional Resources for Seismologists and Geophysicists

For students and working professionals looking to learn more about the field and connect with other professional, national associations may be a valuable means to that end.  The best associations in the field are The International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior (IASPEI), the Seismological Society of American (SSA), and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SGE).

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