What are the classes you took when you engaged in the geophysics course? How hard was it to find a job after graduation?

Hi Brianna,

What background do I need in high school?

It's best to take as many math and science classes as possible, as well as computer science. If your high school offers earth science or any other earth-focused sciences, take them.

What background do I need in college?

A strong background in sciences, with emphasis on math, physics and geology is important. Students with a physics major often have an easier time in graduate school than those with only a geology major. The more experience you can get with various computer platforms and software programs, the better. Computer skills are a must. A graduate degree is required for most geophysics jobs.

What other experiences can I get?

Although strong academic course work is the most important element of training to be a geophysicist, students interested in geophysics can also benefit from obtaining first-hand experience in the field itself. Access to such experiences depends largely on where you live. If you have access to local field trips conducted by academic or government organizations, they would expose you to the sorts of things geophysicists are interested in. Student internships or summer programs with a geophysical consulting company, an academic geophysics department, or the U.S. Geological Survey would be an invaluable experience.

Where can I get a job?

There are several categories of geophysics jobs: consulting, oil, academic, and government. Government and academic employment is highly competitive but very desirable.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/become.php

In the link below, are some sources of information on teaching about earthquakes and earth sciences and about careers in seismology. Take a look:

http://www.seismosoc.org/seismology-society/education/

Have a great academic career!!