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

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 F421 and MATH F422; 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 F602—Geophysical Fields—3 credits
   GEOS F620—Geodynamics—3 credits
   GEOS F654—Visible and Infrared Remote Sensing—3 credits
   GEOS F657—Microwave Remote Sensing—3 credits
7. Complete one of the following concentrations:
   Solid-Earth Geophysics
   1. Complete 6 credits from the following:
      GEOS F604—Intermediate Seismology—3 credits
      GEOS F605—Geochronology—3 credits
      GEOS F613—Global Tectonics—3 credits
      GEOS F655—Tectonic Geodesy—3 credits
      GEOS F671—Volcano Seismology—3 credits
   2. Minimum credits required—30 credits
      
      
   Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics
   1. Complete 6 credits from the following:
      GEOS F614—Ice Physics—3 credits
      GEOS F615—Sea Ice—3 credits
      GEOS F616—Permafrost—3 credits
      GEOS F617—Glaciers—3 credits
   2. Minimum credits required—30 credits
      
      
   Remote Sensing
   1. Complete 7 credits from the following list:
      GEOS F654—Visible and Infrared Remote Sensing—3 credits
      GEOS F657—Microwave Remote Sensing—3 credits
      GEOS F622—Digital Image Processing in the Geosciences—3 credits
      GEOS F434/F634—Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere—4 credits
      GEOS F484/F684—Remote Sensing Bi-Weekly Seminar—1 credit
      GEOS F676—Remote Sensing of Volcanic Eruptions—3 credits
      GEOS F639—InSAR and its Applications—3 credits
      ATM F413/F613—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