Colorado School of Mines

The Department of Geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines offers both traditional, research-oriented graduate programs and nonthesis professional education programs designed to help students meet specific career objectives.

Master of Science (MS) degrees are awarded in both geophysics and geophysical engineering. Both require a minimum of 24 course credit hours and 12 research credit hours, and students are normally admitted into the MS in geophysics program. However, those who wish to obtain an MS in geophysical engineering must ensure that coursework and thesis research meet the following additional requirements: completion, either prior to arrival at CSM or while at CSM, of no fewer than 16 semester hours of engineering coursework, and selection of a thesis topic appropriate for inclusion as part of an engineering degree, according to the opinion of the geophysics faculty at large.

For the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in geophysics or geophysical engineering, completion of at least 72 hours of coursework and research credit beyond the bachelor’s degree is required. Up to 36 semester hours of graduate credit can be awarded by the PhD thesis committee for completion of a master's degree at CSM or another recognized institution. While individual courses are determined by the student and approved by the advisor and committee, courses applied to all PhD degrees must satisfy certain criteria. At least 24 credits of research in preparation for the thesis, followed by an oral defense, are required for the degree.

As with the MS degree, students in the PhD program must demonstrate a breadth of geophysical knowledge by successfully completing appropriate coursework in geophysical theory and modeling, experimental/data acquisition, data processing and interpretation. Students are also required to gain at least one semester of teaching experience.

Doctoral candidates must complete a minor program of study consisting of at least 12 semester hours, and demonstrate their potential for successful completion of independent research by completing a comprehensive examination no later than the fourth semester in residence.

The Department of Geophysics, jointly with other CSM departments, offers the non-thesis Professional Master's degree in specific multidisciplinary areas. These non-thesis programs require 36 credit hours of coursework. Along with Geology and Petroleum Engineering, the Department of Geophysics offers a Professional Master's degree in petroleum reservoir systems. In partnership with Geology and Geochemistry, a Professional Master's in mineral exploration and mining geosciences is offered. Details concerning non-thesis Professional Master's degrees are available from participating departments.