Applied Geophysics Bachelor's Degree

Applied geophysics uses physics-based methods and technologies to view and gather data from the Earth to identify oil and gas reserves, water supplies, and archaeological features. Applied geophysics at Michigan Tech prepares you to make a significant impact on our planet’s future.

A bachelor’s degree in applied geophysics from Michigan Tech prepares you to explore structures and processes below the Earth’s surface and 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.

At Michigan Tech, take advantage of our location in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Work in real geological environments with industry-leading faculty. Focus on environmental protection and renewable energy, oceanography, planetary exploration, natural resource extraction, and more. Join faculty and student groups on field trips around the world to study diverse materials and geological practices. 

Collaborate with your fellow geophysicists in the Geology Learning Center or as a member of a student organization such as the American Institute of Professional Geologists or the Copper Country Rock and Mineral Club. Meet the need for more geotechnical professionals with internships and co-op opportunities with the assistance of department-dedicated advisors.

  • 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)

What Will I Study?

Build on a foundation of physics, mathematics, and natural sciences. Develop hands-on expertise working on geophysics projects. Put your applied geophysics skills to the test in either an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project or collaborative Enterprise team. Expand your expertise with advanced coursework in the following areas:

  • Natural Hazards
  • Volcanology
  • Field Geophysics
  • Planetary Geology and Geophysics
  • Earthquake Seismology
  • Magma Reservoir Dynamics

Tomorrow Needs Geoscientists Able to Think Critically

Unravel the mysteries of our natural world. Daily tasks of geophysicists involve venturing into the field to collect valuable data. In the laboratory, meticulously analyze the data to identify 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.

Engineering Enterprise Concentration

You can pursue an Enterprise concentration by taking part in Michigan Tech's award-winning Enterprise program. It's a great way to enhance your undergraduate degree. Enterprise is when students work in teams on real projects, with real clients, in an environment that's more like a business than a classroom. Choose from among 25 Enterprise teams on campus to invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

All Enterprise teams are open to all majors, with geological projects in Alternative Energy Enterprise or Multiplanetary Innovation Enterprise. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

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 hazard mitigation
  • Satellite remote sensing of environmental processes
  • Geographic information systems (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

$82,629 mean entry-level salary 
Figures from glassdoor.com, accessed June 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. 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

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences

Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences at Michigan Tech emphasizes practical applications and the development of cutting-edge technologies to understand and safely manage Earth and its resources. With expert faculty in hydrogeology, mineral resources, sustainable mining, remote sensing, volcanology, and more, you’ll receive hands-on experience both in and out of the classroom. Study on-site in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, with its geological riches, rocky Lake Superior shoreline, and acres of forests.

  • Collaborate with your peers in the multifunctional Earth Explorers Computer Lab.
  • Share your passions as a member of the Copper Country Rock and Mineral Club, American Institute of Professional Geologists, and other professional societies.
  • Practice communication and community involvement through geophysics, social geology, and mitigation of natural hazards.
  • Participate in undergraduate research with world-renowned faculty, locally or abroad.
  • Develop real solutions working on an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project.
  • Join an Enterprise team such as Innovative Global Solutions or Alternative Energy Enterprise.

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 other noteworthy organizations around the globe. 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.

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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