Major in Geology, Geophysics Concentration

The Geophysics concentration combines a strong foundation in geology with additional depth in geophysics, physics, mathematics, associated quantitative data analysis, and computer skills. The concentration provides strong preparation for employment in a wide variety of public- and private-sector geosciences, resources, national defense, and geotechnical careers, and for graduate education in geophysics, seismology, geodynamics, energy, water, environmental science, space science, and many other disciplines.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate foundational skills and knowledge in all sub-disciplines of geology (physical and historical geology, earth materials, sedimentology and stratigraphy, structural geology)

2. Exhibit valuable skills in scientific reasoning, quantitative data analysis and reasoning; field, analytical, and remote sensing skills; spatial thinking and map use enabling them to contribute effectively to professional work and engage in original research.

3. Use visualization tools, theory, computation, and simulations to explain field observations and experimental results, make interpretations and test hypotheses.

4. Obtain, organize, and critically evaluate geologic information, and effectively present it through oral and written discourse with specialists and non-specialists.

5. Ethically and responsibly engage their knowledge of geology to address current global and scientific challenges.

6. Apply sustainability principles that incorporate complex environmental, economic, and social factors.

7. Demonstrate knowledge of Earth's physical and chemical structure and how that has evolved through Earth's four and a half billion year history.

8. Demonstrate understanding of the physical and chemical processes that shape and govern evolution and behavior of Earth's interior.

9. Demonstrate knowledge of the tools used to probe Earth's interior for knowledge of its composition and physical state. Describe how these tools are useful for understanding earth structure on all scales, and how these are used in an academic environment, governmental labs, and private businesses.

10. Differentiate between what is known vs. what is hypothesized regarding Earth's interior composition and behavior, and understand what methods and data are used to test and refine our modern hypotheses.

Effective Fall 2025

Directed Technical Electives List

¹

GEOL 110, GEOL 120, GEOL 122 or GEOL 124 in combination with GEOL 121 may be substituted for GEOL 150.

²

Select 6 credits in 300- to 500-level GEOL courses not taken elsewhere, excluding GEOL 384, GEOL 401, GEOL 492, GEOL 494A-I.

³

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

⁴

GEOL 440 or GEOL 442 may be taken as a Technical Elective if not taken to satisfy other requirements in the program.