The geophysics graduate certificate offers a coherent curriculum in geophysics that can complement and supplement a student's regular degree program and encourages multi-disciplinary education in the area of geophysics. The geophysics certificate program allows students to obtain recognition for their accomplishments in geophysics without having to switch into the geophysics degree program. 

Requirements

Admission Requirements

A student wishing to be considered for a certificate in geophysics must be pursuing a graduate degree in one of the participating graduate departments (ASEN, APS, CEAE, ECEN, GEOG, GEOL, MCEN, PHYS). Students from outside the participating departments can apply for entry to the geophysics certificate program by submitting a letter addressed to the Geophysics Graduate Program Committee.

A student must have a course background that includes mathematics through three semesters of calculus and four undergraduate science or engineering courses.

Program Requirements

All students must take at least three geophysics core courses and the Seminar in Geophysics. At least one of the three geophysics core courses must be from the earth and planetary physics (EPP) series, and another must be from outside the student's home department. Most geophysics core courses are offered once every two years.

Completion with a grade of B or better of a total of three geophysics core courses (at least one from the EPP sequence) and one credit hour for the Seminar in Geophysics.

A certificate in geophysics will be awarded upon the student's completion of degree requirements in their home department. Upon request from a student, the program director and the student's advisor will determine whether a student has met the requirements for the certificate and will generate a letter to the appropriate department head and dean. The certificate is not intended as a substitute for a degree and will be awarded only upon completion of a graduate degree.

Required Courses and Credits

Required Seminar
ASTR/GEOL/PHYS 6650Seminar in Geophysics1
Core Courses
Choose at least three of the following:9
Earth and Planetary Physics 1
Earth and Planetary Physics 2
Earth and Planetary Physics 3
Seminar in Geophysics
Nonlinear Waves and Integrable Equations
Space Flight Dynamics
Introduction to Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Radar and Remote Sensing
Engineering Data Analysis Methods
Aerospace Environment
Data Assimilation & Inverse Methods for Earth & Geospace Observations
Advanced Global Navigation Satellite Systems: Software and Applications
Astrophysical and Space Plasmas
Introductory Plasma Physics
Introduction to Magnetospheres
Introduction to Fluid Dynamics
Planetary Surfaces and Interiors
ASTR/ATOC/GEOL 5820
Continuum Mechanics and Elasticity
Mechanics and Dynamics of Glaciers
Introduction to Rock Mechanics
Earthquake Engineering
Remote Sensing of the Environment
Geomechanics
Tectonic History of the Western United States
Field Geophysics
Geophysical Inverse Theory
Solid Mechanics 1
Total Credit Hours10