Geophysics

College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Department of Geology and Geophysics
(907) 474-7565
www.uaf.edu/geology/

M.S., Ph.D. Degrees

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: M.S.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: 18 thesis credits

Downloadable PDF (PDF 85K)

Graduate Program--M.S. Degree

Concentrations: Solid-Earth Geophysics; Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics; Remote Sensing Geophysics

1. Complete the following admission requirements:
   1. Submit GRE scores.
   2. Complete a background at least to the level of a B.S. concentration in geology, geophysics or an appropriate physical science or engineering.
   3. Complete MATH 421 and 422; or equivalent.
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete the master's degree requirements.
   1. Complete 6-12 thesis credits.
   2. Complete any deficiencies concurrently with this degree.
4. Submit a written thesis proposal and pass an oral comprehensive examination centered on this proposal.
5. Complete and submit a written thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
6. Complete 6 credits of the following geophysics core requirements:
   GEOS 602--Geophysical Fields--3 credits
   GEOS 620--Geodynamics--3 credits
   GEOS 654--Visible and Infrared Remote Sensing--3 credits
   GEOS 657--Microwave Remote Sensing--3 credits
7. Complete one of the following concentrations:
   Solid-Earth Geophysics
   1. Complete 6 credits from the following:
      GEOS 604--Intermediate Seismology--3 credits
      GEOS 605--Geochronology--3 credits
      GEOS 613--Global Tectonics--3 credits
      GEOS 655--Tectonic Geodesy--3 credits
      GEOS 671--Volcano Seismology--3 credits
   2. Minimum credits required--30 credits
   Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics
   1. Complete 6 credits from the following:
      GEOS 614--Ice Physics--3 credits
      GEOS 615--Sea Ice--3 credits
      GEOS 616--Permafrost--3 credits
      GEOS 617--Glaciers--3 credits
   2. Minimum credits required--30 credits
   Remote Sensing
   1. Complete 7 credits from the following list:
      GEOS 654--Visible and Infrared Remote Sensing--3 credits
      GEOS 657--Microwave Remote Sensing--3 credits
      GEOS 622--Digital Image Processing in the Geosciences--3 credits
      GEOS 434/634--Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere--4 credits
      GEOS 484/684--Remote Sensing Bi-Weekly Seminar--1 credits
      GEOS 676--Remote Sensing of Volcanic Eruptions--3 credits
      GEOS 639--InSAR and its Applications--3 credits
      ATM 413/613--Atmospheric Radiation--3 credits
   2. Complete 6 credits from relevant geology and geophysics courses as agreed by the advisory committee.
   3. Minimum credits required--30 credits

Graduate Program--Ph.D. Degree

1. Complete the following admission requirement:
   1. Submit GRE scores..
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete the course work requirements for the appropriate M.S. concentration.
4. Complete the Ph.D. degree requirements.
5. As part of the Ph.D. degree requirements, complete the following:
   1. Complete and pass a written and oral comprehensive examination.
   2. Complete and submit a written thesis proposal for approval.
   3. Complete a research program as arranged with the graduate advisory committee.
   4. Complete 18 credits of thesis, write a thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
6. Minimum credits required--18 credits