#5 in Geophysics & Seismology, Graduate School
Source: US News & World Report, 2023
Welcome to Geophysics
Proudly celebrating 100 years!
The Department of Geophysics has an international reputation for excellence in applied geophysics. It is the oldest and broadest program of applied geophysics in North America, was the first U.S. university to offer a bachelor’s degree in geophysical engineering and is evenly balanced between undergraduate and graduate students and between research and teaching. In 2026, we will be 100 years old, and we are already celebrating.
News
Senior Design Students use GPR to Hunt for Graves
Four senior students under the direction of Dr. Rich Krahenbuhl recently applied their geophysics knowledge to a cemetery in Woodland Park, Colorado. The students - Anna Nichols, Mia Jungman, Alexis Herr, and Jim Gabriel - used ground-penetrating radar and other...
What is Geophysics?
Geophysics is a multidisciplinary science, integrating physics, geology, mathematics, computing and instrumentation. Its mission is to advance science and technology for characterizing structures and physical processes on Earth and other Solar System bodies.
A Look Below the Surface
Article courtesy of Mines Magazine
Undergraduate Program
Our BS degree in Geophysical Engineering allows you to specialize in one of six areas by choosing a track of courses in the following undergraduate tracks.
Graduate Programs and Research
Prepare for advanced work in applied geophysics with a master’s or PhD in Geophysics or Geophysical Engineering. Build technical skills with a graduate certificate in Petroleum Engineering.
Graduate Program

Department Research

In the News
- Mines professor co-leading research project to investigate freshened water under the ocean floor
In the 1960s, scientists were quite surprised when they looked at their data: it clearly showed that there was fresh or freshened water under the ocean floor. How did it get there? How long has it bee … - Eileen Martin honored with Presidential Early Career Award
The PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to scientists and engineers who are early in their careers as researchers and show leadership promise in fields of science and technolog … - Mines, Carbon TerraVault awarded $8.9 million in DOE funding for CarbonSAFE project
Award advances the development of CTV III Carbon Storage Project in California - Kamini Singha selected to 2024 class of AGU Fellows
Singha, professor of geology and geological engineering, is associate dean of Earth and Society programs