DEPARTMENT HISTORY

Founded in 1926, the Department of Geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines is the largest department in the U.S. specializing in applied geophysical research and education. Even so, with 12 full-time faculty and class sizes ranging from 12 to 20, students receive individualized attention in a close-knit environment. Given the interdisciplinary nature of geophysics, the undergraduate curriculum requires students to become thoroughly familiar with geological, mathematical, and physical theory, in addition to exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of the various geophysical methodologies.

Traditionally, the resource industry has been, and continues to be, the largest employer of CSM geophysics graduates. Within this industry, our graduates find employment with the major oil companies, contractors involved in seismic and borehole logging surveys, and mineral exploration. Graduates also find employment in the emerging engineering and geotechnical industries with positions offered by government agencies and the myriad of environmental, water management, and civil engineering applications.