Studies & Degrees in Geophysics

Geophysics applies physics and mathematics to the study of the Earth and other planets. Geophysicists measure things that cannot be seen directly, such as seismic waves, gravity, magnetic fields and electrical properties, and use them to work out what lies beneath the surface and how the planet behaves. The University of Texas at Austin describes its geophysics major as preparing students to explore the structure, dynamics and evolution of the Earth and other planets, with geophysicists specialising in imaging the subsurface and modelling Earth and planetary processes. The field also covers the oceans and the atmosphere: the Universidad Nacional de La Plata in Argentina defines geophysics as the study of the physical phenomena of the solid Earth, its seas and its gaseous envelope.

Students take a heavy load of mathematics, physics and computing before the specialised subjects. At Imperial College London the second year includes pure and applied geophysics, field geophysics, remote sensing, mechanics and waves, and seismology and numerical methods. At La Plata the specialised subjects are geomagnetism, seismology, geodesy, gravimetry, instrumentation, prospecting methods and meteorology. Fieldwork is part of most degrees, and so is programming: the course list of the Department of Geophysics at Stanford University runs from seismic imaging and ice-penetrating radar to machine learning for the physical sciences.

Qualifications and levels

Bachelor's degree. In the United States and Canada, geophysics is a Bachelor of Science major, usually taught in a school of earth sciences; the B.S. in Geophysics at The University of Texas at Austin is one example. In the United Kingdom, Imperial College London offers a three-year BSc in Geophysics and a four-year MSci, an integrated degree that leads to a master's level qualification and is accredited by the Geological Society of London. The minimum entry standard for both is AAA at A-level or 38 points in the International Baccalaureate.

Latin America. Geophysics is a long first degree with a professional title. At the Universidad Nacional de La Plata the Geofísico degree lasts five years and has 34 subjects, with basic training in mathematics, physics and geology until the middle of the fourth year. At the Universidad de Concepción in Chile the programme lasts 10 semesters and leads to the academic degree of Licenciado en Geofísica and the professional title of Geofísico or Meteorólogo.

Spain. Geophysics is studied at master's level after a bachelor's degree (grado) in physics, geology or a related subject. The Universidad de Granada teaches the official Máster Universitario en Geofísica y Meteorología, which has 60 ECTS credits. Any university graduate can apply, although the university says that graduates in sciences such as physics, geology, mathematics and environmental sciences, and engineers, have the most suitable background. Many of its lecturers are researchers at the Instituto Andaluz de Geofísica, which works in fields from seismology to volcanology.

Where to study geophysics

SpainExchange lists 31 schools for geophysics. More than half are in the United States (17). Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom have two each, and there is one each in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Ethiopia, Mexico, Sweden and Venezuela. Besides the universities already mentioned, the list includes Colorado School of Mines in Golden, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, the University of Calgary, Uppsala Universitet in Sweden and TU Wien in Vienna. Programmes in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are taught in English; those in Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin America are taught in Spanish.

When comparing programmes, look at the balance between solid-earth geophysics, exploration geophysics, and atmosphere and ocean science; the amount of fieldwork and computing; access to observatories and research institutes; and, for the United Kingdom, professional accreditation. Applicants need a strong background in mathematics and physics.

Careers

Geophysicists work in earthquake and volcano monitoring, mineral, energy and groundwater exploration, engineering and environmental surveys, meteorology and climate services, and research. The University of Texas at Austin lists data science and artificial intelligence, energy and mining, technology companies, government laboratories, national security, and reinsurance and risk assessment among the industries that hire geophysicists. The Universidad de Granada names the Instituto Geográfico Nacional, the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología and the Instituto Español de Oceanografía among the institutions where its graduates can work in Spain.

In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counts specialists such as seismologists within the occupation of geoscientists. Geoscientists held about 25,400 jobs in 2025, and employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 1,800 openings a year. The largest employers are architectural, engineering and related services (27 percent) and mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (17 percent). According to the BLS, geoscientists typically need a bachelor's degree, employers prefer a master's degree for some positions, and most geoscientists need a state-issued licence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between geophysics and geology?

Geology studies rocks, minerals and the history of the Earth mainly through direct observation and sampling. Geophysics uses physical measurements, such as seismic waves, gravity and magnetism, together with mathematical models to study parts of the Earth that cannot be observed directly.

How long does a geophysics degree take?

It depends on the country. At Imperial College London the BSc takes three years and the MSci four. At the Universidad Nacional de La Plata the degree lasts five years, and at the Universidad de Concepción 10 semesters. In Spain, the master's at the Universidad de Granada has 60 ECTS credits and follows a bachelor's degree.

Can I study geophysics in Spain?

Yes, at master's level. The Universidad de Granada offers the official Máster Universitario en Geofísica y Meteorología, open to university graduates, preferably in sciences or engineering.