<p>I'm interested in earth science, but I don't really know the difference between the two. They both seem quantitative, but Geophysics seems a bit more so. What are the job differences for each major? AA brief explanation of what each entails would be nice. Thanks!</p>
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<p>University of Oklahoma has strong programs in both geology and geophysics. Here’s the degree plans for both majors: [Undergraduate</a> Degrees - Geology and Geophysics - The University of Oklahoma](<a href=“http://www.ou.edu/content/mcee/geology/academics/undergraduate_degrees.html]Undergraduate”>http://www.ou.edu/content/mcee/geology/academics/undergraduate_degrees.html)</p>
<p>Geophysics is more quantitative than geology and places a higher emphasis on technology than does geology. </p>
<p>Here’s a good, but incomplete overview of the differences between geology and geophysics: [Geology</a> and Geophysics - Geophysics Forum](<a href=“Geophysics Forum - Index page”>Geophysics Forum - Index page)</p>
<p>If you’re not already in college, I’d recommend going to a school that has both geology and geophysics, or offers sufficient courses in geophysics (eg, Carleton, Claremont Colleges, Auburn, etc). That way you can explore both fields and decide whether one interests you more than the other.</p>
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<p>I’m going to Texas A&M in Fall 2014.</p>
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<p>Great, TAMU has outstanding geosciences with plentiful research opportunities. Since your first year will mostly be comprised of common courses, you can talk to some professors in both fields to figure out which you’d like to major in (assuming you don’t switch around).</p>
<p>If you can get into UT Austin, you might also want to check out its Jackson School of Geology. Over the past few years some companies have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into its facilities.</p>
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<p>What things interest you within geology/earth sciences? Are you at all interested in the research and grad school route or strictly industry?</p>
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<p>I really don’t know what either is like. I’ve never taken any geology classes, but I love hiking/the outdoors and I also love science. I’m interested in majoring in Chemistry or Engineering too, but I’m so unsure of what to do. Geologists/Geophysicists also apparently get really good jobs with oil companies.</p>
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<p>I started out in engineering but later switched to physics. I didn’t actually find geology/geophysics until my sophomore year. I was like you, I loved the outdoors and hiking but also the sciences, especially math/physics. I figured I could just studying physics and keep outdoorsy stuff as a hobby… but I was wrong. As a physics major, I spend a lot of time studying math/physics and while I enjoy them, I felt that something was missing. After my first geology class, I was hooked! Now I’m doing seismology research and it’s fascinating. I get to do tons of math/physics and play with expensive computers and every once in a while I get to go play in the dirt! But most importantly I get to look deep into the earth’s interior and learn its secrets :)</p>
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<p>To help answer your question about the differences, this is how I like to think about it:</p>
<p>Geologists - Generally more qualitative in nature. They work more with things they can actually see/touch and often hold. They typically act as historians, using clues from rocks/minerals to gain insight into what earthly processes happened in a particular region as well as when. It is a VERY broad field and includes mineralogists (study chemistry of minerals), structural geologists, hydrologists, and more…</p>
<p>Geophysics - Can be VERY quantitative. Deals with earth’s processes, composition, dynamics, structure by physical methods such as seismics, electromagnetics, gravity, GPS, GPR. In other words, geophysicists study things that can not always be seen such as the earth’s interior, magnetic fields, deformation of the crust. </p>
<p>There are many fields where geology/geophysics essentially overlap such as tectonics. By choosing one you are not limiting yourself from the other. If you like math/physics then geophysics is probably a good choice. If you enjoy chemistry more, then geology might be a better fit.</p>
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