Researcher with a large hammer breaking rock in a remote area.

Tomorrow Needs You. Are You Ready?

Receive a graduate education from an accredited institution.

Geophysics—MS, PhD

Geophysics is highly quantitative, requiring a firm background in mathematics and physics. Students study a wide-range of topics including the physics of earthquakes and seismic energy propagation, development and integration of several aspects of reservoir characterization using data from actual oil and gas fields, or numerical techniques for mathematical modeling of various earth-system phenomena — along with many other areas of research. Are you ready?

Program Overview

Students in the master's or doctorate geophysics program study the earth through physical measurements, employing theory, laboratory and/or field experimentation, and modeling. Departmental research activities span from fundamental and precise laboratory studies of rocks and minerals to field studies in remote and rugged locations to high-performance computing and subsurface visualization.

Delivery Options
- On-Campus: MS, PhD

Geophysics Program Details

Choose a specific degree option or delivery type to learn more about the geophysics program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Geophysics is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

PhD Requirements, Geophysics

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

MS, Geophysics: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Geophysics: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

Accelerated MS, Geophysics

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you.

Additional Accelerated Master's Program Details

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about geophysics at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

Contact

Graduate Director

Luke Bowman

Graduate Assistant

Brittany Buschell

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your geophysics MS and PhD. Sample areas include:

Geomagnetism
Earthquake Seismology
Exploration Seismology
Volcano Seismology

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation (only 1 Letter is required for Michigan Tech undergrads)
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
GRE not required

International Students

TOEFL: Required score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Required Overall Band Score of 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis

Recommended Deadlines

Fall Semester: February 1

Apply at least a semester in advance of projected admission to improve your chances of receiving funding.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

1 Letter of Recommendation
GPA of 3.0 or greater
No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

All Michigan Tech undergraduate majors

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Work With

Our faculty are as diverse as their specialties. Join Greg Waite as he studies seismic source mechanisms of tectonic and volcanic earthquakes, or Simon Carn as he uses satellite measurements to constrain global volcanic SO2 production and emissions from individual volcanoes.

Where You'll Work

The Earth Magnetism Laboratory features a magnetically shielded room and the equipment needed for paleomagnetism studies

Researchers in our Subsurface Visualization Lab help companies extract oil from abandoned or nearly abandoned fields, enhancing US energy independence.

Faculty Spotlight

John Gierke

John Gierke
Professor, Geological and Mining Engineering Sciences

"Understanding earth systems are vital to locate and develop natural resources and mitigate natural hazards"

Satellite, airborne, and ground- based technologies are rapidly evolving to enhance our abilities to characterize and understand earth landscapes and underlying geologic systems, water bodies, and the atmosphere. Strategies to mitigate for natural hazards, explore for and develop natural resources, and forecast human and natural impacts are also evolving as we grow our understanding of earth systems.

Program Faculty