| |  | | Geophysics | Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information—Department of
Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, 310 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis,
MN 55455 (612-624-1333; fax 612-625-3819; geology@umn.edu; www.geo.umn.edu).
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General
Information section of this catalog for Graduate School requirements thatapply
to all major fields.
Curriculum—The geophysics major includes the areas of applied and theoretical geophysics,
paleomagnetism and rock magnetism, mineral and rock physics,
seismology and geostatistics. Students may accommodate
other areas of interest such as earth resources, engineering
geology, environmental geology, materials science, soil
science, and paleoecology by choosing a minor or supporting
field from outside the department.
Prerequisites for Admission—Most candidates for advanced degrees have completed
a bachelor’s degree in geology, geophysics, or earth and material sciences.
However, applications from students in fields such as chemistry, physics, or
biology are encouraged. At least one year of calculus, chemistry, and physics
are required. In general, an outstanding academic record is expected.
Special Application Requirements—The student’s statement of purpose,
three letters of recommendation, and official GRE scores are required for admission
and financial aid consideration. Applications for admission are considered at
any time, although applications for financial aid should be submitted to the
department by January 15 to ensure consideration. Studies may begin in any semester
or summer session, although fall semester is preferable. Please refer to the
Graduate Programs section of the department Web site for a listing of all required
applications materials.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, MELAB).
 For an online application or for more information about Graduate School admissions, see the General Information section in this catalog, or visit the Graduate School Web site.
Courses—Please refer to Geology and
Geophysics (GEO) in University
Courses for courses pertaining to the program. All courses
must be taken at 4xxx and 5xxx, with several formal courses to be included
at 8xxx.
Use of 4xxx Courses—For both the M.S. and Ph.D., typically no more than 30 percent of the total course credits are 4xxx. | M.S. Degree Requirements | | The
M.S. is offered Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (with project). Plan A
requires a minimum of 30 course credits consisting of at least 14 course
credits in the major, 6 course credits in the related field, and 10 thesis
credits. Plan B requires a minimum of 30 course credits consisting of
at least 14 credits in the major and 8 credits in the related field. Plan
C is the coursework-only option which requires a minimum of 30 course
credits consisting of at least 14 credits in the major and 9 credits in
the related field or a minor. Courses in the minor and related field are
normally taken from outside the department, although they may be taken
from within in special cases.
Language Requirements—None.
Final Exam—Plan A students must pass the final oral examination in defense
of their thesis. Plan B students must pass the final oral and/or written examination.
Minor Requirements for Students Majoring in Other Fields—The master’s
minor is established individually with approval by the graduate studies committee.
Typically no more than 50 percent of the total course credits are 4xxx.
| Ph.D. Degree Requirements | The
Ph.D. requires a minimum of 36 course credits consisting of at least 12
course credits in the minor or supporting field. In some cases, fewer than
24 credits in the major field are acceptable provided the total is at least
36. Courses in the minor and supporting program are normally taken from
outside the department, although they may be taken from within in special
cases.
Language Requirements—None.
Final Exam—Ph.D. students must pass the final oral examination in defense
of their thesis.
Minor Requirements for Students Majoring in Other Fields—The Ph.D. minor
is established individually with approval by the graduate studies committee.
Typically, no more than 50 percent of the total course credits are 4xxx. |
Faculty | | For up-to-date graduate faculty listings, see <www.grad.umn.edu/faculty_rosters/step1.asp>. Key to membership categories (abbreviations after faculty names).
Professor
Subir K. Banerjee, SM
Marc Hirschmann, M2
David L. Kohlstedt, SM
Bruce M. Moskowitz, SM
Christopher Paola, M2
Justin Revenaugh, SM
James H. Stout, SM
Christian P. Teyssier, M2
Renata M. Wentzcovitch, Chemical
Engineering and Materials Science,
ASM
David A. Yuen, SM
Associate Professor
Karen L. Kleinspehn, M2
Assistant Professor
Katsumi Matsumoto, SM
Martin Saar, SM
Senior Research Associate
Michael J. Jackson, AM2
Mark Zimmerman, AM2
Other
Val Chandler, Minnesota Geological
Survey, AM2
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