Geophysical Engineers apply physics and engineering principles to geological problems. They measure, map and image the physical properties of the Earth's crust just as the medical profession uses a variety of techniques to measure and image the human body's interior. They prepare maps, cross sections and images for data visualization for economic, engineering, safety and environmental reasons.
The Undergraduate Curriculum in Geophysical Engineering provides graduates of the program with a sound understanding of the theory and practice of geophysical methods and prepares them for entry into the exploration industry at the professional level.
Our Industrial Advisory Board members work in a variety of geophysical arenas. Most of them are graduates of our program. They are instrumental in making sure our program is in sync with current industrial needs and technology ensuring a quality, marketable education.
Students working out in the field
doing seismic surveying. The data is collected and later analyzed.
The data is reviewed and analyzed using a velocity analysis tool.
It is processed using methods called stacking and gathering.
Career options in geophysics are introduced to freshman-year students. A comprehensive geophysics class and computer science course are taken in the sophomore year. During junior and senior years, students begin in earnest their study of all areas of geophysics. Their studies culminate in a summer field course and capstone engineering design class. All our students take classes in geology and advanced mathematics and are able to focus on their area of interest by their choice of electives, undergraduate research projects, and/or independent study classes.
Students in the program work on teams which might include geologists, geohydrologysts, petroleum engineers, mining engineers, and environmental engineers. They work as exploration geophysicists assisting in the discovery and development of oil, gas, mineral deposits and groundwater resources or as engineering geophysicist assisting in the placement of large engineered structures.
Exploration Geophysicists conduct geophysical measurements which are essential for the detection, delineation and development of oil, gas, and mineral deposits as well as groundwater resources.
Engineering Geophysicists study subsurface information that may be required for the placement of structures such as dams and bridges or the characterization of sites affected by environmental hazards.
Some of the companies that hire our Bachelors of Science students are: Chevron, Chesapeake Energy Co., ConocoPhillips, Montana State Department of Environmental Quality, Newmont Mining, Newfield Exploration and Schlumberger.
Special features of this degree:
A very important element of this degree is the Field Geology and Geophysics course where students use various field measurement techniques to solve practical geological and geophysical problems. This is a summer course taken between the junior and senior years.
Facilities and equipment are outstanding with very high-end computer workstations and field equipment.
The Geophysical Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
A Master's Degree in Geoscience with an option in Geophysical Engineering is also available.
A 5th year Master's Degree program in Geophysical Engineering is available for undergraduates in Geophysical Engineering.
Placement
The Placement rate for the Geophysical Engineering graduates is 100% with an average starting salary of $49,100. Reported salaries ranged from $33,000 to $62,000.
Master’s Program in Geophysical Engineering Admission to this program requires a B. S. in geophysical engineering, geology, physics, mathematics, or related engineering field.
Students have the choice of thesis or non-thesis option. Under the thesis option, 30 credit hours beyond the Bachelor of Science degree is required 20 credit hours of course work, 2 credit hours of seminar, and 8 credit hours of thesis research.
The non-thesis option is 36 credit hours beyond the Bachelor of Science degree, 34 credit hours of course work and 2 credit hours of seminar. The non-thesis option requires a comprehensive exam and report.
Both the thesis and non-thesis options require an oral presentation before a graduate committee.
Program Objectives
The graduate program in Geophysical Engineering provides an educational experience in the state-of-the-art application of engineering and science to solve geophysical problems. Graduates are provided the skills and knowledge to enter the geophysical industry as a professional.
Graduates are given the background to keep up with the ever-changing technologies in the exploration industries.
To meet these objectives, students who complete the geophysical engineering graduate program develop certain capabilities and knowledge.
Among these are:
understand the physical and mathematical basics behind each of the major geophysical techniques (gravity, magnetics, electrical, and seismic);
understand when these basics can be best applied;
operate measurement equipment;
collect data using good measurement practices;
reduce, process, and interpret data using up-to-date techniques and computer software;
design systems combining educational and industrial experience obtained during the student's college career;
communicate effectively results from data acquisition and interpretation across an interdisciplinary environment;
know and use professional and ethical responsibilities; and
appreciate the interaction of engineering technology and society and the issues that arise from conflicting interests in this interaction.
Research
Graduate students in geophysical engineering have the opportunity to begin participating in a variety of research and field exploration projects early in their graduate program. Major equipment includes a 24-channel Bison 9000 digital seismatic system, gravimeter, magnetometer, VLF, gamma-ray spectrometer, horizontal loop EM system, and resistivity, IP controlled source AMT system. The department also utilizes a Silicon Graphics/GeoQuest-Integrated Exploration System and ProMAX for seismic data processing. Faculty in the department are active in research, and, as a result, considerable support exists for funding graduate students.
Recent activities within the department include a Reservoir Characterization project in north central Montana, geothermal studies in western Montana, evaluation of coal deposits in eastern Montana, and seismic, gravity and magnetic studies in basins in western Montana. Engineering geophysical applications are also of interest, and a recent project involved the combined use of seismic and electrical techniques in a groundwater development investigation. Another project involved the development of imaging software for ground penetrating radar data.
In recent times, four of our graduate students participated in an exchange program traveling to Australia for their thesis research. We had the privilege of having an undergraduate student from Australia spend a semester with us in our program. She attends Curtin Univeristy in Perth. We have also had two of our graduate students go to Antarctica to work on the ANDRILL project. In Fall of 2008 two students have been selected to go to Antarctica with Professor Marvin Speece.
Spring in Antarctica presents some interesting challenges. Here are a few highlights of life on an ice shelf.
The placement rate for those seeking employment is 100 percent. Some of our students continue their education working to obtain doctorates. Students have opportunities to work in areas related to mining and petroleum exploration as well as in areas of specialization such as safe foundation design, earthquake studies, or environmental studies. Geophysical engineers are in demand by various companies around the United States, and placement has been excellent. Companies who have hired our master’s degree graduates include Chevron, Shell, UNOCAL, Western Geophysical, Geographic Company, and the U.S. Bureau of Mines.
Geophysics students have the option of participating in the Mine and Mineral Waste Emphasis program.
Program Assessment
Program assessment is vital in maintaining our unique, vibrant program so we can continue to produce top quality students that are fully prepared to enter today's industry. This is an ongoing effort by each faculty member and the department as a whole. The Geophysical Engineering curriculum and objectives are periodically reviewed. Input comes from several sources including:
Students from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Student Chapter provide input, and suggestions for improvement.
The Advisory Board and industry recruiters provide important insight of industry trends and their impact on our students' academic background.
Each course is evaluated at the end of the semester and recommendations made. Course content, quality of instruction and accreditation requirements being met are all considered
Faculty look for areas which need change and/or improvement to help make sure that the curriculum and objectives meet current and future industry needs. They carefully review the course evaluations and make adjustments.
All of these sources help update and reshape the Geophysical Engineering curriculum and program objectives.
