Geophysics, B.S.
Geoscience is the study of the Earth and includes the fields of geology, geophysics and environmental science. Volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, landslides and plate tectonics are some of the things that geoscientists investigate and try to understand. Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Geophysics is offered through its Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
Geophysics is a quantitative and instrument-oriented discipline that investigates the Earth’s internal structure and processes by studying seismic waves and variations in the planet’s magnetic and gravitational fields, as well as its rotation.
Additional program highlights include:
- Students have access to the Saint Louis University Earthquake Center. The Earthquake Center is part of both a regional network that monitors the New Madrid seismic zone and a global network to monitor seismicity around the world.
- SLU is also home to the Global Geodynamics Project, which records the Earth's gravity field at a number of worldwide stations and maintains standards for the deployment of all superconducting gravimeters.
Curriculum Overview
Students in the geophysics program are given a firm foundation in solid Earth science taking courses in mineralogy, petrology (the study of rocks) and structural geology. Upper-level geophysics courses, with an emphasis on seismology, build on this foundation and ensure students are well prepared for graduate school or work in industry.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Students in the department may have the opportunity for part-time work assisting faculty members with their research. Such jobs expose students to various aspects of science, as well as provide them with some income. The City of St. Louis provides opportunities for science-related volunteer work in places such as the Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo.
Careers
A degree in the geosciences prepares students for a variety of interesting careers. Many geoscientists work in industry or for government agencies concerned with oil and natural gas exploration and production, mining, water resources, civil engineering, waste and pollution management, environmental impact assessment, conservation and land management, policy analysis and implementation education. Students in the program also acquire a solid background in critical thinking, effective communication and computer use relevant to a variety of both scientific and non-scientific careers.
Admission Requirements
Begin Your Application
Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.
Freshman
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.
Transfer
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.
Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).
In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
- Graduates will know the founding principles in their field of study, as well as the facts and content appropriate to the field.
- Graduates will be able to use their knowledge to reason about issues in their discipline.
- Graduates will be able to solve quantitative problems in their discipline.
Geophysics students must complete a minimum total of 67 credits for the major.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Requirement | ||
College core requirements | 54-63 | |
For additional information about core courses | ||
Required Courses | ||
EAS 1430 & EAS 1435 | Introduction to the Solid Earth and Introduction to the Solid Earth Lab | 4 |
EAS 1450 & EAS 1455 | Introduction to Oceanography and Intro to Oceanography Lab | 4 |
Or | ||
EAS 1420 & EAS 1425 | Introduction to Atmospheric Science and Introduction to Atmospheric Science Lab | |
EAS 2450 | Communicating in Science | 3 |
EAS 2200 & EAS 2205 | Mineralogy and Mineralogy Lab | 4 |
EAS 4050 & EAS 4060 | Petrology and Petrology Lab | 4 |
EAS 4300 & EAS 4305 | Structural Geology and Structural Geology Lab | 4 |
EAS 4370 | Earth Dynamics | 3 |
EAS 4160 | Exploration Seismology | 3 |
or EAS 4620 | Introduction to Earthquake Seismology | |
CSCI 1060 | Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming | 3 |
MATH 1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 1520 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 2530 | Calculus III | 4 |
MATH 3550 | Differential Equations | 3 |
MATH 3110 | Linear Algebra for Engineers | 3 |
or MATH 3120 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | |
PHYS 1610 & PHYS 1620 | University Physics I and University Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS 1630 & PHYS 1640 | University Physics II and University Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS 3110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
Elective Courses | ||
Select a minimum of 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
EAS 4160 | Exploration Seismology * | |
EAS 4620 | Introduction to Earthquake Seismology * | |
GIS 4010 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | |
MATH 3240 | Numerical Analysis | |
MATH 3270 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers | |
MATH 4210 | Introduction to Analysis | |
MATH 4310 | Introduction to Complex Variables | |
MATH 4320 | Complex Variables II | |
MATH 4570 | Partial Differential Equations | |
MATH 4800 | Probability Theory | |
STAT 3850 | Foundation of Statistics | |
STAT 4840 | Time Series | |
STAT 4850 | Mathematical Statistics | |
STAT 4870 | Applied Regression | |
STAT 4880 | Bayesian Statistics and Statistical Computing | |
PHYS 4210 | Electricity & Magnetism I | |
PHYS 4220 | Electricity & Magnetism II | |
CSCI 1300 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming | |
CSCI 2100 | Data Structures | |
CSCI 4710 | Databases | |
CSCI 3100 | Algorithms | |
CSCI 4750 | Machine Learning | |
Total Credits | 121-130 |
- *
Cannot count for both a required course and an elective.
Continuation Standards
Students must have a minimum of a 2.00 GPA in their earth and atmospheric science courses and required related credits (biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer sciences, physics, etc.) by the conclusion of their freshman year. Students who fall below a 2.00 GPA will be placed on probation. If a student fails to obtain at least a 2.0 GPA in their major courses and required related credits by the conclusion of their sophomore year they will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Please note: beginning in Fall 2022, all incoming SLU undergraduates—regardless of major, program, college or school—will complete the University Core curriculum. You can find more information about SLU’s common Core here: https://www.slu.edu/core/index.php | ||
Core Components and Credits | ||
Foundations of Discourse | 3 | |
Diversity in the U.S. | 3 | |
Global Citizenship | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 0-6 | |
Fine Arts | 3 | |
Literature | 6 | |
Mathematics | 4 | |
Science | 8 | |
Philosophy | 6 | |
Social Science | 6 | |
Theology | 6 | |
World History | 6 | |
Total Credits | 54-60 |
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
- Complete either the College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements.
- Complete major requirements: minimum 30 credits required.
- Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate, and/or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
- Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
- Complete department/program-specific academic and performance requirements.
- Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
- Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
- Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
EAS 1430 & EAS 1435 |
Introduction to the Solid Earth and Introduction to the Solid Earth Lab |
4 |
EAS 1420 & EAS 1425 |
Introduction to Atmospheric Science and Introduction to Atmospheric Science Lab (Could be replaced with EAS 1450/1455 in the Spring) |
4 |
MATH 1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
A&S Core | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
EAS 1450 & EAS 1455 |
Introduction to Oceanography and Intro to Oceanography Lab (Could be replaced with EAS 1420/1425 in the Fall) |
4 |
MATH 1520 | Calculus II | 4 |
CSCI 1060 | Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming | 3 |
A&S Core | 3 | |
Credits | 14 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
EAS 2450 | Communicating in Science | 3 |
PHYS 1610 & PHYS 1620 |
University Physics I and University Physics I Laboratory |
4 |
MATH 2530 | Calculus III | 4 |
A&S Core | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Spring | ||
PHYS 1630 & PHYS 1640 |
University Physics II and University Physics II Laboratory |
4 |
MATH 3550 | Differential Equations | 3 |
A&S Core | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
Credits | 13 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
EAS 2200 & EAS 2205 |
Mineralogy and Mineralogy Lab |
4 |
EAS 4370 | Earth Dynamics | 3 |
EAS 4160 | Exploration Seismology (Can be replaced with EAS 4620 in semester 7) | 3 |
MATH 3110 or MATH 3120 |
Linear Algebra for Engineers or Introduction to Linear Algebra |
3 |
A&S Core | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
EAS 4050 & EAS 4060 |
Petrology and Petrology Lab |
4 |
PHYS 3110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
A&S Core | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
EAS 4620 | Introduction to Earthquake Seismology (Can be replaced with EAS 4350 in Semester 5) | 3 |
EAS Elective | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
EAS 4300 & EAS 4305 |
Structural Geology and Structural Geology Lab |
4 |
EAS Elective | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
A&S Core | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Total Credits | 122 |
Program Notes
In freshman and sophomore years, credits for general electives should be used to take mathematics courses that may be required for the upper-level math and earth and atmospheric science courses. It is recommended that general electives in junior and senior years be taken in other upper-level earth and atmospheric science or science courses in consultation with advisor.