Geophysics, BS

Department of Geology, College of Science and Engineering

97-107 credits

Introduction

A Geoscientist is someone who studies the Earth’s physical makeup and history. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives. Geoscientists provide basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety and welfare.

Geoscientists are curious about the Earth. How was it formed? How is it changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? How do islands form? What makes a continent move? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What makes a mountain?

Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. How severe will the global warming trend be? How and where should we dispose industrial wastes? How can we fill society’s growing demands for energy and conserve natural resources for future generations?

Geoscientists enjoy the Earth. It is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying knowledge of forces that shape the Earth, Geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future.

Why Consider a Geophysics Major?

Do you like to know why and how things work? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you concerned about the environment? Are you interested in travel? Do you like to analyze things? Are science and nature among your favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? If you answer “yes” to most of these questions the geosciences could offer a good career for you.

This program is recommended for students who are interested in applications of physics as a means of understanding a range of geological processes. Geophysics is distinct from Geology in that a more intensive set of Math and Physics courses, and applications of these skills, are required. Students who complete this degree will be prepared to continue to graduate studies in geology, geophysics, planetary geology/geophysics, physics, or other related fields, or to enter into industry. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a senior thesis project as part of this degree, providing them with an excellent capstone experience. Declaration of this major requires a completed advising session with a Geophysics faculty advisor.

Contact Information

Department Chair Bernie Housen Environmental Studies 240A 360-650-3581 Bernie.Housen@wwu.edu

Undergraduate Advisor Hye In Park Environmental Studies 240 360-650-6516 Parkh23@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

U.S. Geological Survey | Departmental of Natural Resources | Oil Exploration | Mining Geologist | NASA | U.S. Forest Service | Engineering Geologist | NOAA

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

All 300-level geology courses are restricted to Geology or Geophysics majors, and 400-level geology courses are restricted to Phase II majors, so it is important to declare a major as early as possible.

Phase I: Students can declare as a Geophysics Phase I major at any time as long as they are in good academic standing. Students must apply to the department for admission to the major. Students are admitted to the Geophysics BS major following a completed advising session with a Geophysics faculty advisor.

Phase II: Students who wish to earn the BS Geophysics degree must complete a set of preparatory courses for admission into Phase II of the degree program. Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in this set of preparatory courses, and be in good academic standing, for successful admission.

Preparatory courses for BS Geophysics:

• GEOL 211, GEOL 352
• PHYS 161, PHYS 162
• MATH 124

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.