Geophysicists study volcanoes, tectonic plates, and the structure of the Earth.
Geophysicists find the oil so that industry can function, or they study the movement of tectonic plates to see where a volcano might erupt or an earthquake shake. While there is certainly a highly scientific, theoretical side to geophysics, this field has everyday implications. A Ph.D. in geophysics allows you to pursue a particular specialty in depth, preparing to teach or research in some of the world's most dramatic places--or even on different planets.
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu
Hawaii is famous for its active volcanoes, so it seems unsurprising that Geophysics should be part of the University of Hawaii's offerings. The Ph.D. program in Geology and Geophysics is run through the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology. You have access to state-of-the-art computer equipment, as well as boats for marine research and even submarines. To complete this program, you will take at least 30 credits of postgraduate courses, including a research project with written thesis and defense. You will work with an advisor to determine what classes are actually required. If you don't have a Master's degree, you will take an examination; the course also requires a final exam.
The focus is on learning advanced techniques in your field, along with critical thinking and research skills. There are three core study fields: Geophysics and Tectonics; Marine and Environmental Geology, and Volcanology, Geochemistry and Petrology. However, you may be able to study other fields by agreement of the department. At the end of your degree, you will have the ability to plan and carry out extensive, complex research studies, you will be a recognized expert in your research field, and you will be able to take your skills into the workplace.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Department of Geology and Geophysics
1680 East-West Road, POST 701
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-956-7640
grad.hawaii.edu
Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers a Doctoral Degree in Geophysics through its College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences. Specifically, the Doctorate is an Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences major, with an optional concentration in Geophysics. To pursue your studies, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in a scientic field such as physics, engineering, or geology. You will have a choice of research fields in both marine or terrestrial fields. The school emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of geophysics, which incorporates biology, chemistry and, of course, physics. It also covers the way humans fit into the Earth's whole.
The college leans towards the informal, allowing for cooperation and learning between peers. Students become involved in their own research, as well as participating in projects carried out by the college itself. Such skills are useful in the research, educational and business fields. Regardless of major, all Ph.D. students study three core courses: The Solid Earth, The Fluid Earth and the Biogeochemical Earth. You must also take part in a field course to visit some volcanoes.
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University
104 COAS Administration Building
Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-3504
oregonstate.edu
University of Colorado
The Doctorate in Geophysics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, is interdepartmental, and you may seek admission through any of the participating departments. The departments include Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, Geological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering, and your admission to any of these depends on your previous studies, experience and aptitudes.
To gain your doctorate, you will study at least 30 credits' worth of courses, including required courses in Earth and Planetary Physics, graduate-level mathematics, and solid earth geophysics seminars. The rest of your studies are up to you, though you will work with an advisor to ensure they are in line with your research. You will complete, and later defend, a thesis.
University of Colorado
Department of Geological Sciences
UCB 399
2200 Colorado Ave.
Boulder, CO 80309
303-492-8141
colorado.edu
Tags: Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State, Oregon State University, State University, University Colorado, University Hawaii, College Oceanic
