Geophysics and Geophysical Engineering

Geophysics Master’s Non-Thesis

The Master’s Non-thesis (MS-NT) degree in either Geophysics or Geophysical Engineering requires 30 credits of coursework. Students typically complete this program in one to two years.

The courses applied to all MS degrees must satisfy the following specific criteria:

• The 30-credit hour minimum total must include 15 credit hours of GPGN-listed courses.
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of independent study may be counted toward the degree program.
• All course, transfer, residence, and thesis requirements are as described in the Registration and Tuition Classification and Graduate Degrees and Requirements sections of the catalog.
• Up to 6 credits of graduate-level work may be double counted in the undergraduate and graduate degree for students enrolled in the Combined Degree.
• Additional courses may also be required by the student’s advisor and committee to fulfill background requirements.

Application Requirements

Geophysical Engineering Master’s Non-Thesis

The Master’s Non-thesis (MS-NT) degree in either Geophysics or Geophysical Engineering requires 30 credits of coursework. Students typically complete this program in one to two years.

The courses applied to all MS degrees must satisfy the following specific criteria:

• The 30-credit hour minimum total must include 15 credit hours of GPGN-listed courses.
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of independent study may be counted toward the degree program.
• All course, transfer, residence, and thesis requirements are as described in the Registration and Tuition Classification and Graduate Degrees and Requirements sections of the catalog.
• Up to 6 credits of graduate-level work may be double counted in the undergraduate and graduate degree for students enrolled in the Combined Degree.
• Additional courses may also be required by the student’s advisor and committee to fulfill background requirements.

The coursework for the degree Master of Science, Geophysical Engineering, must meet the following specific requirements. Note that these requirements are in addition to those associated with the Master of Science in Geophysics.

• Students must complete, either prior to their arrival at Mines or while at Mines, no fewer than 16 credits of engineering coursework. What constitutes coursework considered as engineering is determined by the Geophysics faculty.

Application Requirements

Geophysics Master’s Thesis

A Master of Science (MS) Thesis Degree in either Geophysics or Geophysical Engineering requires a minimum of 30 credits to complete.

The student and advisor, with approval from the thesis committee, determine individual courses constituting the degree to address specific interests and career goals. The courses applied to all MS degrees must satisfy the following specific criteria:

• The 30-credit hour minimum total must include 15 credit hours of GPGN-listed courses.
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of independent study may be counted toward the degree program.
• All course, research, transfer, residence, and thesis requirements are as described in the Registration and Tuition Classification and Graduate Degrees and Requirements sections of the catalog.
• Up to 6 credits of graduate-level work may be double-counted in the undergraduate and graduate degree for students enrolled in the Combined Degree.
• Additional courses may also be required by the student’s advisor and committee to fulfill background requirements.

All MS candidates must successfully defend their MS thesis in a public oral thesis defense.

Application Requirements

Geophysical Engineering Master’s Thesis

A Master of Science (MS) Thesis Degree in either Geophysics or Geophysical Engineering requires a minimum of 30 credits to complete.

The student and advisor, with approval from the thesis committee, determine individual courses constituting the degree to address specific interests and career goals. The courses applied to all MS degrees must satisfy the following specific criteria:

• The 30-credit hour minimum total must include 15 credit hours of GPGN-listed courses.
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of independent study may be counted toward the degree program.
• All course, research, transfer, residence, and thesis requirements are as described in the Registration and Tuition Classification and Graduate Degrees and Requirements sections of the catalog.
• Up to 6 credits of graduate-level work may be double-counted in the undergraduate and graduate degree for students enrolled in the Combined Degree.
• Additional courses may also be required by the student’s advisor and committee to fulfill background requirements.

All MS candidates must successfully defend their MS thesis in a public oral thesis defense.

Application Requirements

Geophysics Doctorate

We invite applications to our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program not only from those individuals with a background in geophysics, but also from those whose background is in allied disciplines such as geology, physics, mathematics, computer science, or electrical engineering. Our program is suitable for students who desire careers in research-intensive environments, including government agencies and academia. Students typically complete the PhD program in four to five years.

For either PhD degree, at least 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree are required.  Of that total, at least 24 research credits are required.  At least 12 course credits must be completed in a minor program of study, approved by the candidate’s PhD thesis committee. Up to 36 course credits may be awarded by the candidate’s committee for completion of a thesis-based master’s degree. Graduate-level coursework completed as part of a thesis-based master’s degree with a focus on the Theory, Application, Computational, Earth & Space or Professional Development coursework may be used to satisfy the related theme with approval of the candidate’s committee.

While individual courses constituting the degree are determined by the student and approved by the student’s advisor and committee, courses applied to all PhD degrees must satisfy the following criteria:

• The 72-credit hour minimum total must include 36 credit hours of GPGN-listed courses.
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of independent study may be counted toward the degree program.
• All course, research, minor degree programs, transfer, residence, and thesis requirements are as described on the requirement details webpage

Application Requirements

Geophysical Engineering Doctorate

We invite applications to our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program not only from those individuals with a background in geophysics, but also from those whose background is in allied disciplines such as geology, physics, mathematics, computer science, or electrical engineering. Our program is suitable for students who desire careers in research-intensive environments, including government agencies and academia. Students typically complete the PhD program in four to five years.

For either PhD degree, at least 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree are required.  Of that total, at least 24 research credits are required.  At least 12 course credits must be completed in a minor program of study, approved by the candidate’s PhD thesis committee. Up to 36 course credits may be awarded by the candidate’s committee for completion of a thesis-based master’s degree. Graduate-level coursework completed as part of a thesis-based master’s degree with a focus on the Theory, Application, Computational, Earth & Space or Professional Development coursework may be used to satisfy the related theme with approval of the candidate’s committee.

While individual courses constituting the degree are determined by the student and approved by the student’s advisor and committee, courses applied to all PhD degrees must satisfy the following criteria:

• The 72-credit hour minimum total must include 36 credit hours of GPGN-listed courses.
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of independent study may be counted toward the degree program.
• All course, research, minor degree programs, transfer, residence, and thesis requirements are as described on the requirement details webpage

Application Requirements

Geophysics and Geophysical Engineering Certificates

Graduate Certificate in Energy Geophysics

Gain or expand your geophysical skillset with this 12-credit certificate. Choose from four of the three-credit, eight-week online courses offered to complete the energy geophysics certificate. Each course runs concurrently with an on-campus, in-person course. This unique feature allows you to collaborate on discussions, projects, and group activities. Upon completion, course credits can be applied toward a graduate degree. You may also take individual courses in energy geophysics without applying for the complete certificate. 

The applicant is required to have an undergraduate degree to be admitted into the program. Students must achieve a minimum average grade of B (3.0) for the four required courses.

Application Requirements