<p>I plan on attending the University of Tennessee. It does not offer a degree in geophysics, but offers degrees in geology, engineering, mathematics, and physics. I definitely know that double majoring in geology and physics would qualify me for the field of geophysics. My first question is this: should I choose not to double major and instead do both a major and a minor between the four fields that I mentioned, what scenario would work best for geophysics? (what would be the best major and minor combination).</p>
<p>I also have considered the field of atmospheric science and meteorology, but unfortunately it is not offered at the University of Tennessee. I wanted to know if geophysics can be applied toward meteorology or something in climatology. Based on what I have read regarding the modern geophysics of today, it seems like it can applied in atmospheric science, but I am still somewhat uncertain. If it can, does it depend on what field I choose major in? (what field of the four mentioned best suits meteorology) </p>
<p>Should I major in the geosciences I really do not want to land in Houston, TX. Where else do geophysicists and/or geoscientists work besides Houston, TX? Does it depend on what a geoscientist's specialty is? (If I do major in geoscience, I would not specialize in discovering oil, but about hazardous topics in earth science and climate change)</p>
<p>Last question. I have already thought about getting a Master's degree in geophysics. What major at Bachelor's degree level would be the best preparation for a Master's in geophysics? (would physics or engineering be even better than geology?)</p>
<p>I would guess that physics would be the best to major in if you’re only doing one. In my experience it seems that it’s easier for physicists to pick up the basics of other fields than it is for people who studied other fields to pick up physics (the same is true of math, but it’s probably less directly relevant, especially if it’s pure rather than applied math). In particular, almost no physics grad school would take a student who hadn’t taken most of the core undergraduate curriculum, but most engineering (and I would imagine geophysics, but check out a few programs if you’re worried about it) graduate schools will take physics students.</p>
<p>A geology major would allow you to do any of the areas that you mention, except perhaps meteorology. (Climatology and meteorology seem like they should fall under similar programs, but they actually typically don’t. Primarily because rocks are terrible at recording weather, but great at recording climate.) Graduate schools also care relatively little about double-triple-quadruple majors. Not to say that you shouldn’t take math/physics/engineering, but adding another major isn’t necessary for your career goals. You could also major in any of these other fields, and as long as you’re still taking geology classes, you could still go to grad school in geology. (One of my close friends actually majored in studio art, but completed an MS in geology. She just took a bunch of geo classes in undergrad.) Geology grad schools are more flexible in accepting people with a variety of majors than some other programs, because many people discover geology later in their undergraduate careers.</p>
<p>Although geophysics sounds like it should apply to any combination of geology and physics, it typically involves variations on using some imaging technique to look at what’s going on down in the earth, such as using shallower, human-generated seismic reflections to interpret sedimentary layers (predominantly oil/gas), interpreting earthquake waves to deduce something about the earth’s crustal/mantle structure, or using radar to look through ice sheets. Atmospheric scientists use a ton of physics, but are not typically going to be classified as “geophysicists”, so you might have a hard time finding them if that’s where you’re looking.</p>
<p>Certainly a good decision to get at least an MS in geology if you pursue it in undergrad. The master’s is considered the professional degree in geology, and is required for many (most) entry-level jobs. Houston does, as you mention, suck up a ton of geophysicists for oil/gas exploration, so your traditional non-industry career paths would be academic research/professor (plan on a Ph.D.), or government research (USGS, NOAA, BLM, and a variety of other agencies hire geology folks). Less traditional, maybe earthquake hazard consulting?</p>
<p>Thanks for the response. I am into anything hazardous that effects people and the environment. Meteorology/Atmospheric Science is just one aspect. I am also interested in understanding earthquakes and plate tectonics, as well as climatology. I definitely would like to get a masters degree because it does open the door to many careers. </p>
<p>There might have been a better question for me to ask. I would like to have a career that studies the Earth and it’s Atmosphere, but that is because of interest. Right now, I know that math is my main strength and that I am decent with physics (I made a B in high school physics). I want to have a career that I can apply my math ability along with physics, and I know that earth sciences involves both. That is the reason right now why I want to major in the earth sciences, because to me, it seems interesting and involves areas that I am good at. But lets say that I were to change majors while in college because I find out that aspects such as working conditions are not suitable to me or that the job growth and stability is not promising, then I would choose between engineering, mathematics, or physics. Based on the three majors I mentioned, what would be good to major into that opens the door to many career opportunities, has good job growth and stability, income, and good working conditions?</p>