Applied Geophysics Bachelor's Degree

Make a significant impact on our planet's future.

Explore structures and processes below the Earth's surface. Apply your understanding in a wide array of fields. Predict and mitigate natural hazards, like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Engage in resource exploration, water management, and urban planning. Geophysics extends its reach to planetary exploration and environmental conservation. Pursue a career in glaciology, archaeology, and even forensic investigation.

We face many global challenges. Among them are climate change and the growing demand for renewable energy sources. Contributions of applied geophysicists are essential. They are active in developing and implementing innovative solutions. Applied geophysicists address carbon storage, renewable energy projects, and efficient water resource management.

Specialty areas in geophysics include the following:

  • Natural hazards detection, prevention, and mitigation
  • Environmental protection and renewable energy
  • Infrastructure planning and safety assessment
  • Contamination monitoring and assessment
  • Natural resource exploration and extraction
  • Volcanology
  • Seismology
  • Oceanography
  • Planetary exploration
  • No. 13
    Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
  • No. 2
    Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
  • No. 3
    Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
  • No. 9
    for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

Tomorrow Needs Geoscientists with Applied Critical Thinking

Unravel the mysteries of our natural world. Daily tasks of geophysicists involve venturing into the field to collect valuable data. The data are meticulously analyzed in the laboratory to derive meaningful insights. Stand at the foot of a volcano. Harness the power of computer modeling and satellite data. Survey the vast ocean or explore oil-rich terrain. The geoscientist's journey is a diverse and ever-evolving one.

In this dynamic field, adaptability is key. Geoscientists thrive in a variety of settings and working conditions. They are able to piece together a comprehensive understanding of a field site. Often they have only limited data. It's a discipline that demands robust critical-thinking skills.

Prepare to be part of this exciting journey. We can empower you with applied critical thinking skills. Your skills are essential for shaping the future of geoscience.

Be Career-Ready

Discover a world of opportunity. Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in applied geophysics. It will prepare you for a career in industry or graduate study. Geoscientists often spend part of their working time outdoors and enjoying nature. They may travel the world.

Interested in oil exploration or a career in academia? Explore graduate education options. An advanced degree provides greater specialization.

Explore career opportunities for applied geophysicists.

  • Groundwater and surface water monitoring and cleaning
  • Natural-hazards mitigation
  • Satellite remote sensing of environmental processes
  • GIS mapping of environmental data
  • Site investigations of underground hazards
  • Slope failure investigations
  • Oil or gas exploration and recovery
  • Subsurface visualization
  • Natural and induced seismicity evaluation

$63,144 mean entry-level salary 
Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

Brendan Harville at the Space Grant Consortium Annual Conference

I met, connected, and collaborated with many admirable and inspiring peers and mentors for which I am truly grateful for. Special experiences like these are what invigorate and propel students like me toward future goals and aspirations.

Brendan Harville doing field research.
Brendan Harville
applied geophysics

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying applied geophysics at Michigan's flagship technological university.

 

"Only at Michigan Tech: Spend the week learning the workings of the earth from geomagnetism to seismology and the weekend surrounded by 300-year-old pine trees. Explore all the wonders geophysics and the Keweenaw have to offer."Tomorrow Needs Michigan Tech

The GMES Department

  • We provide advanced technology for your hands-on learning.
  • Our locale is Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, with its geological riches, rocky Lake Superior shoreline, and acres of forestland.
  • We offer field studies to classic and novel sites in Michigan and beyond.
  • Travel with our faculty to do research locally or abroad.
  • Practice communication and community involvement through geophysics, social geology, and mitigation of natural hazards.
  • Learn from faculty who understand the value of our Earth.

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project. 

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus. 

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and beyond. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

College News

Connected, innovative.

Build real skills at Michigan Tech. Become an engineer.

Gain diverse experience.

Engage in design and research.

Leap forward in your program.

Connect with students and industry.

"Field Geophysics was where I learned that I wanted to continue my education on near surface geophysics in graduate school! I was so intrigued by each of the methods and the equipment that we used and the broad applications that they have to Earth science."Olivia Salvagio, applied geophysics senior