MS Geophysics at University of Nevada, Reno

Programme overview

The M.S. in Geophysics is a research-oriented graduate degree in the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering. It explores the global properties of the earth, including gravity, magnetic field, crustal motions and interior dynamics, and the near-surface and interior structure of the earth.

Faculty: Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering | Department: Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering | Intake: Fall (January 1 deadline); Spring (September 15 deadline) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Reno, NV, United States

What you will study

Study uses seismology, electromagnetics, potential fields, remote sensing, geodesy and GPS, bringing mathematics and physics into field-based work. Specialization areas include earthquakes and neotectonics, geodesy, geophysical exploration, paleomagnetism, seismology and seismic hazards.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering (M.S. and Ph.D.): bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; full graduate standing requires at least 30 credits of undergraduate work in geology and/or related fields. Geophysics applicants are expected to have a strong quantitative background, including a one-year university physics course with calculus plus three semesters of calculus; differential equations, linear algebra or programming are beneficial. Required items: three letters of recommendation, a one to two page personal statement, transcripts (unofficial accepted initially, official on offer) and English exam scores for applicants from non-English-speaking countries. GRE is not required. Admission also requires a faculty member to serve as advisor. Deadlines: January 1 (Fall), September 15 (Spring).

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate entry terms are Spring, Summer and Fall 2027 for most programmes; several programmes (for example MPH, PhD Public Health, MSW on campus, DPT) accept Fall applicants only.

Graduate application fee is $60 for domestic students and $95 for international students. Applications are submitted by programme through TargetX, GradCAS, BusinessCAS, SOPHAS or EngineeringCAS as listed on the Graduate School apply page.

Apply through the official page: https://www.unr.edu/grad/apply

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