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Online Graduate Certificate Geophysics Geology and Geophysics

About the Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Geophysics is designed to provide graduate students with a structured and comprehensive educational experience in the theory and application of geophysical methods. Intended for students who wish to develop specialized expertise in this important area of the geosciences, the certificate offers formal academic recognition while guiding students through advanced coursework that strengthens their technical knowledge and research capabilities. The program is well suited for those seeking to expand their understanding of subsurface characterization, geophysical imaging, and the interpretation of complex geological systems.

Students in the certificate program gain experience with a broad range of geophysical techniques used to investigate the Earth's subsurface for resource exploration, environmental assessment, infrastructure development, and engineering applications.

Graduates of the program will be well prepared for careers requiring advanced geophysical knowledge and analytical skills in industries such as oil and gas, mining, environmental consulting, civil and geotechnical engineering, energy exploration, and government agencies. By combining rigorous technical coursework with practical applications, the Graduate Certificate in Geophysics enhances students' professional credentials and provides a competitive advantage for careers involving geophysical exploration, resource development, hazard assessment, and subsurface engineering.

The Geophysics Certificate Program is open to all persons holding a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Geology, Geophysics, Geological Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or Civil Engineering or are currently accepted into a graduate degree program in one of these fields at Missouri S&T. Once admitted to the program, the student must take the four designated courses (provided in the curriculum section). In order to receive a Graduate Certificate, the student must have an average cumulative grade point of 3.0 or better in the certificate courses.  Once admitted to the program, a student will be given three years to complete the program.

Students admitted to the Geophysics Certificate Program will have non-degree graduate status, however, they will earn graduate credit for the courses they complete. If the student completes the four-course sequence with a grade of B or better in each of the courses taken, they, upon application, will be admitted to the non-thesis M.S. degree program in Geology and Geophysics. The certificate credits taken by the students admitted to the M.S. degree program will count towards their master's degree. Students who do not have all of the prerequisite courses necessary to begin the courses in the Geophysics Certificate Program will be allowed to take ''bridge" courses at either the graduate or undergraduate level to prepare for the formal certificate courses.

For online students applying to a graduate certificate program. (No GRE/GMAT required.)

Certificate Applicant 

The following are the courses offered in the program. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless stated otherwise. The University reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed. 

Total Courses: 4 (12 credit hours)

Four of the following courses are required:  
Seismic Interpretation  
Global Tectonics  
Exploration and Development Seismology  
GEOPHYS 5211 Seismic Stratigraphy  
Wave Propagation  
Seismic Data Processing  
GEOPHYS 5241 Advanced Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods in Geophysical Exp  
Computational Geophysics  
Geophysical Field Methods  
GEOPHYS 5761 Transportation Applications of Geophysics  
Environmental and Engineering Geophysics  
Advanced Seismic Interpretation  
GEOPHYS 6231 Advanced Seismic Data Processing  
The Theory of Elastic Waves  
Geophysical Inverse Theory  
GEO ENG 6782 Surface Waves (MASW) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)  

Course availability may vary by semester (see course listings). Students should consult their academic advisor for appropriate alternatives or substitutions if needed.

Please refer to the Geology and Geophysics section of the graduate catalog for more information.

This program is 100% online: no campus visits required.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take one or two classes per semester and finish the program in one year.

  • Delivery: 100% online
  • Calendar system: Semester-based 
  • Typical program length: 1-2 years
  • Typical course load: 1-2 courses a semester (fall and spring)

Courses are offered asynchronously, meaning they do not have regular meetings. They may consist of various media and content — such as online discussions, videos, quizzes and recordings — that students review and complete at the time of their choice.

Learn more about our graduate programs at Missouri S&T by attending one of our virtual information sessions.

Attend Info Session

Pathway to a Master's Degree

Are you a working professional who wants to earn your master's degree, but you don’t have time to take the GRE/GMAT? Then start in a graduate certificate program. Graduate certificates were designed as a pathway to a master's degree.* The admission requirements are more relaxed and credit earned will count toward your degree. Once you successfully earn your graduate certificate, you can continue with the corresponding master's degree without having to take the GRE/GMAT.

*Completion of a graduate certificate program does not automatically guarantee admission into a corresponding graduate degree program. To continue in a master’s degree program, you must apply.

Questions?

Missouri S&T Online Education

We are here to answer any of your questions about Missouri S&T’s online education programs.

Email Us  Request Info

Sylvia Skouby
Associate Director for Online Admissions

573-341-6903  |  stgrad@mst.edu

Earth Sciences and Engineering

Wan Yang, PhD
Professor of Geology and Geophysics/Petroleum Engineering and Online/Distance Coordinator

573-341-6234  |  gyangwa@mst.edu
Department Website: ese.mst.edu

Amanda Goscicki
Office Support Assistant and Graduate Programs Support

573-341-4628  |   agoscicki@mst.edu