Geophysics is the study of the earth with tools of physics. Geophysics includes the exciting field of petroleum exploration. Positions in this field also occur in places like police work, archeology, civil engineering, near-earth space environment, atmospheric sciences, seismology, and even crystallography.
Getting to Know You
The Physics Department offers students a solid foundation in both classical and modern physics. Geophysics students take an additional 12 credits in geology. Because the field of geophysics is so broad, options are available to better fit your career choice.
Faculty are always on hand to help guide students throughout their coursework and experiences on campus. Courses are specifically designed to allow for the maximum interaction possible to help students get to know the faculty on a more personal level. Students have the chance to be mentored towards a future career path that will be best suited and rewarding to them.
The faculty dedicate so much time and energy for their students to make sure we are receiving the best quality of education that the school can offer. They are amazing advisers and give guidance and counsel to their students whether it is related to the major or just personal life and encourage students to do what they feel is right.
Samantha G.,
BYU-I Graduate
Career Path
Graduates with a degree in Physics, emphasis in Geophysics, have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.
Highlighted Career Paths
Geophysicist
Geophysics is the application of physics to study the Earth, oceans, atmosphere and near-earth space. Geophysicists can develop in a broad range of careers, including those in natural resource exploration, satellite based Earth observation, natural hazard mitigation, archaeological studies, conservation and climate studies, government policy and military applications.
Meteorologist/Remote Sensing
Meteorologists use science and math to understand and predict weather and climate. They also study how the atmospheric and weather conditions affect the earth and its human inhabitants.
Seismologist
Seismologists are earth scientists, specialized in geophysics, who study the genesis and the propagation of seismic waves in geological materials. These geological materials can range from a laboratory sample to the Earth as a whole.
Explore Related Career Paths
All degree related careers can be found in I-Plan, along with related salary information.
Getting started in this degree
If you want to get a taste for Physics, emphasis in Geophysics, start with one of the following degree-specific courses:
- FDMAT 112 - Calculus*
- PH 121 - Principles of Physics 1
- GEOL 111 — Physical Geology
- GEOL 111L — Physical Geology Lab
For a full listing of all courses required for this degree, refer to the course catalog.
* If you are not prepared to take Calculus your first semester, contact your faculty mentor of Physics Dept. Office
Advising
Interested in this major? Contact Advising to discuss your questions, degree options, and Grad Plan.
Declare B.S. in Physics, emphasis in Geophysics
The Advising Office can help with degree planning and preparation. To declare your major or minor, plan classes, or find out who your advisor is, visit the Advising homepage.
