Geophysics Major (GEPJ)

The Geological and Environmental Sciences and Physics Departments offer a program of study leading to a major in Geophysics. Students choosing this program of study are also required to take mathematics courses, which correspond to a minor in mathematics. Students contemplating a Geophysics major should contact these two departments as early as possible for advising. Students need to meet with advisors in both departments. 41-44 hours are required for this major.

Major Core (38 to 40 hours)

Geosciences (GEOS) (20 to 21 hours)

GEOS 1300 - Physical Geology Credits: 4 hours
GEOS 3010 - Introduction to Earth Materials Credits: 4 hours
GEOS 4300 - Structural Geology Credits: 3 hours
GEOS 5600 - Introduction to Geophysics Credits: 3 hours
GEOS 5650 - Geological Field Methods Credits: 1 hour
GEOS 5660 - Geological Field Studies Credits: 1 hour
GEOS 5670 - Geological Field Mapping Credits: 1 hour

And 3 to 4 hours of the following:

GEOS 4350 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy Credits: 4 hours
GEOS 4700 - Earth History Credits: 4 hours
GEOS 5170 - Research Project Credits: 3 hours
OR

Any other 5000-level GEOS course(s), selected in consultation with the major advisor.

Physics (PHYS) (18 to 19 hours)

PHYS 2050 - University Physics I Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 2060 - University Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1 hour
PHYS 2070 - University Physics II Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 2080 - University Physics II Laboratory Credits: 1 hour
PHYS 3090 - Introductory Modern Physics Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 3100 - Introductory Modern Physics Lab Credits: 1 hour

And one of the following:

PHYS 2500 - Waves and Optics Credits: 3 hours
PHYS 3250 - Introduction to Astrophysics Credits: 3 hours
PHYS 3300 - Thermodynamics Credits: 3 hours
PHYS 3420 - Electronics Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 4200 - Analytical Mechanics Credits: 3 hours
PHYS 4400 - Electromagnetism Credits: 4 hours

Electives (3 to 4 hours)

One elective from upper-level geosciences, physics, and engineering courses to be chosen with consent of advisor (3-4 hours).

Additional Information

A minimum grade of “C” is required in each of the required courses as well as in each of the prerequisites for all required courses.

Required Mathematics Minor (19 hours)

Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirement

Students who have chosen the Geophysics major will satisfy the Baccalaureate-Level Writing requirement by successfully completing one of the following courses: