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Bachelor of Science in Earth Science: Geophysics Subprogram

Students making observations on a field trip to the Guadalupe Mountains.

Bachelor of Science in Earth Science: Geophysics Subprogram

The Bachelor of Science (BS) Geophysics Subprogram is designed for students interested in the physical processes and properties of Earth and space, such as seismic, electrical, magnetic, and gravitational activity, using quantitative analyses. The field of geophysics is critical to everyday life, with societal applications that include energy and mineral resource exploration, water resource management, natural hazard mitigation, and environmental protection and remediation.

Program Requirements

The Geophysics Subprogram requires 14-15 credit hours of geophysics-specific required courses and an additional 6-8 credit hours of elective geophysics classes in addition to the 9-10 credit hours of core courses required for all Earth Science BS students. Like all Earth Science BS Subprograms, Geophysics requires the completion of an approved certificate, minor, or any second major. The Geophysics Subprogram has a 50% overlap with the School of Earth Sciences' Petroleum Geology and Planetary Science Certificates, meaning that it is possible to earn one of these certificates with as little as two additional courses.

Preparation for the Major (28-29 units)

Required for everyone in the Geophysics Subprogram (14-15 units):

  • MATH 2153 or MATH 2173: Calculus III (4 units) or Engineering Mathematics B (3 units)
  • PHYSICS 2300: Intermediate Mechanics I (4 units)
  • EARTHSC 4530: Structural Geology (4 units)
  • EARTHSC 4560: Applied Geophysics (3 units)

Additional geophysics courses (choose 2-3 courses for 6-8 credits):

  • EARTHSC 5641: Geostatistics (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5646: Geodynamics (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5680: Deep Earth Geophysics (3 units)
  • GEOSCIM 5612: Introduction to Geodesy (3 units)
  • GEOSCIM 5781: Geodesy & Geodynamics (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5310: Remote Sensing in the Earth Sciences (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5687: Borehole Geophysics (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5751: Quantitative Reservoir Modeling (4 units)
  • EARTHSC 5757: Artificial Intelligence in Earth Sciences (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5780: Reflection Seismology (4 units)

Required for all Earth Science BS students (7-10 units)

  • EARTHSC 2000: Preparation for Thesis and Careers in Earth Sciences (1 unit)
  • EARTHSC 2245: Introductory Data Analysis for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4 units)
  • EARTHSC 4999.01: Undergraduate Research for Thesis in Earth Sciences (1 unit, graded)
  • EARTHSC 4999.02 (H): Undergraduate Research for Thesis in Earth Sciences (0-3 units, satisfactory/unsatisfactory)

Honors program students

  • Enroll in 1 unit in 4999.01H in the semester you plan to graduate.

Non-honors program students 

  • You need to enroll in 1 unit of 4999.01 in the semester you plan to graduate.
  • You need to enroll in at least 3 unit of 4999.02H anytime during your degree, which includes the semester you plan to graduate.

Applying for research distinction

If you choose to apply for research distinction (optional), you also need to enroll in at least 3 units of 4999.02 anytime during your degree, which includes the semester you plan to graduate.

Advising information

Director of Undergraduate Studies (Earth Sciences): Professor Ann Cook, cook.1129@osu.edu

Undergraduate Academic Advisor (Earth Sciences): Dr. Karen Royce, royce.6@osu.edu, 614-292-6961

The state of Ohio does not license Geologists; however, if you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information at the Office of Distance Education and eLearning- State Authorizations for Students.