Bachelor's in Geophysics at University of Oklahoma

Programme overview

Geophysicists apply physical, numerical and computer technology, with mathematics, physics and modeling, to study Earth's interior, its electromagnetic and gravitational fields and natural resource exploration. Students typically specialize in seismology, oceanography or volcanology.

Faculty: Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy | Department: School of Geosciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Norman, OK, United States

What you will study

Courses include Introduction of Mineral Sciences, Sedimentary Petrology and Sedimentology, Global Geophysics, Seismic Exploration, Frontiers in Geophysics, Data Analysis in Geoscience, Structural Geology and Colorado Field Geophysics (Capstone).

Career pathways

Geophysicist, petroleum geologist, data scientist, geoscience educator, exploration geophysicist, geological survey scientist, research scientist, GIS specialist, geoscience policy advisor, energy analyst and seismologist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-wide freshman admission (all OU undergraduate programmes): 4 units English (grammar, composition, literature); 3 units college-preparatory mathematics (4 recommended); 3 units laboratory science (4 recommended); 3 units history and citizenship skills including 1 of American history; 2 additional units from the listed subjects, computer science or world language. Official high school transcript showing at least six semesters of work; no more than six semester hours of college work after high school graduation. No minimum GPA is set and GPA is one factor in a holistic review. ACT, SAT or CLT scores are optional (test-optional admission). Applicants whose first language is not English, including permanent residents, must demonstrate English proficiency before admission. Deadlines: domestic applicants February 1 (summer and fall) and November 1 (spring); international credentials March 15 (summer), April 15 (fall), November 15 (spring).

Requirements published at program group level.

Domestic applicants: USD 5,532 a year (2026-27). Oklahoma resident full-time undergraduate tuition for fall and spring (flat rate for 12-21 hours), stated for the undergraduate level; not programme-specific. Excludes mandatory fees ($9,971), college program and technology fees, housing and books. Source

International applicants: USD 24,210 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate international tuition for fall and spring as stated for the undergraduate level (same as the non-resident figure); not programme-specific. Excludes mandatory fees, international student maintenance fee, college program and technology fees, h Source

Freshmen enter in fall, with spring and summer entry also available (spring application deadline Nov. 1, summer application deadline Mar. 1).

Transfer students may enter in fall, spring or summer.

First-year: application opens Aug. 1; early action deadline Nov. 1; final scholarship admission deadline Dec. 15; final admission deadline Feb. 1; enrollment deposit due May 1. Apply via the OU Application, Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir. The application fee is $50 (non-refundable) for domestic applicants. OU practices a test-optional admissions process (ACT/SAT/CLT scores encouraged and superscored).

International first-year: application opens Aug. 1; early action deadline Nov. 1; priority scholarship deadline Dec. 15; fall application deadline Feb. 1; final documents deadline April 15; deposit due May 1. Requires minimum 3.0 GPA and IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 / Duolingo 100 / Pearson 53; SAT/ACT optional for international scholarships.

Transfer: application opens Aug. 1; spring priority scholarship deadline Oct. 1; spring application deadline Nov. 1; summer application deadline April 1; fall application deadline May 1; fall documents deadline July 1. The application fee is $50 for domestic applicants; apply via the OU Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ou.edu/admissions/freshman/apply

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