Geophysicists study the Earth and its physical processes using quantitative methods and techniques. Geophysics has strong interactions and synergy with Geology (obviously!) but also with Planetary Science, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Math, Geography and Chemistry. The science of Geophysics includes a broad range of fields: geodynamics, geodesy, remote sensing, hazard analysis, oceanography, paleomagnetism, volcanology, tectonophysics and most importantly (at least for me....) seismology. Interested? You can find more specific information on the Useful Links page.

      So, what types of jobs are available for geophysicists? The job market is wide open for geoscientists with quantitative skills. The Unites States and California Geological Surveys regularly have openings for geoscientists at all levels. Seismic networks throughout the Unites States need analysts to help locate earthquakes. The National Laboratories and JPL are always looking for qualified researchers. The Department of Defense and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization need earthquake scientists.  As you probably know, the price of oil is near an all time high and the oil industry is looking for scientists to help increase the efficiency of the extraction process, for example. Engineering, geotechnical and geoscience companies, like URS,  Fugro and Geomatrix often have open positions in areas like hazard analysis, geophysical surveying and risk management. Science teachers are always in demand. You can find specific examples of recent job announcements on my Job Announcements page.

   Of course you could also end up enjoying Geophysics so much as an undergraduate that you choose to go to grad school! Graduate programs in geophysics have a demand for students with a solid background in the Natural Sciences, especially if you have research experience. If you think you may want to pursue graduate school, you should start preparations early. Look into internships opportunities before your final year. Start your senior thesis research the Winter or Spring quarter before your final year, so that you can present your work at the American Geophysical Union meeting in December and meet with potential graduate advisors there. You can find much more useful information under Student Info, and feel free to drop by my office to discuss and further develop your plans.

      If you are a Cal Poly student and possibly interested in Geology as a (new) major or minor, or if you’re considering applying for admission, or if you are currently at a community college and are planning to transfer, send me an E-mail for more information on our programs. If you are interested in visiting the department, let me know and we can arrange for you to talk with faculty and tour the facilities.    

   Also, if you’re interested in receiving updates on the Cal Poly Pomona Geophysics program, or interesting geophysical news items or science articles, you can follow my tweets (as CPPGeophysics, see sidebar.