The Ph.D. in Geophysics will give you a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of geophysics and training in methods of research.
Through this degree program, you will learn how to:
- Explain the scope, significance and limitations of geophysical information to land and environment stewardship and civil infrastructure stakeholders
- Develop new methods to evaluate risk and vulnerability from geological hazards and to make detailed evaluations about quality and quantity of Earth resources
- Determine whether geophysical data indicate a subsurface target of interest so that reliable drilling and excavation decisions can be made
- Design and execute field studies that employ geophysical data to solve a geoscience problem
- Create robust and reliable inferences of fundamental Earth structures and processes from incomplete and possibly inaccurate geological information
- Combine geological and geophysical data to build and assess the implications of integrative models whose value exceeds the sum of its components
- Deliver oral presentations and answer technical questions in plain language, in which you will describe and interpret geophysical information and carefully explain compelling conclusions to the audience
- Prepare and widely circulate well-written and well-structured documents that contain sound reasoning and robust conclusions based on geophysical principles
- Use the full capabilities of commercial software packages to process, display and manipulate geophysical data and work with companies for their further development and refinement
- Use advanced geophysical field and laboratory equipment
- Execute robust and decisive tests of geophysical research hypotheses using advanced principles, data, and techniques
- Apply and further develop advanced principles of scientific uncertainty as they relate to geophysical hypothesis testing
- Be a role model in professional conduct in research and assume leadership roles of professional societies within geological sciences
- Demonstrate exemplary behavior in balancing stakeholder, client and public interest concerns as they pertain to geophysical investigations.
Ph.D. in Geophysics Program Requirements
Earning a Doctoral Degree
The doctoral program gives you a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of your professional field and training in methods of research.
The final basis for granting the degree will be your grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. You also must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and convincingly in both oral and written form.
The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence, and technical requirements, although these must be met.