Geophysical Engineers work as exploration geophysicists assisting in the discovery and development of oil, gas, mineral deposits and groundwater sources. Graduates may also work as engineering geophysicists assisting in the placement of large engineered structures or the characterization of polluted sites. Exciting topics at the forefront of seismological research include the nucleation processes of large earthquakes, the structure and dynamics of the Earth's deep mantle and inner core, and the structure of the lithosphere and its relationship to tectonic processes.

Seismology attracts considerable public interest and support because of its contributions to society in mitigating earthquake hazards, monitoring nuclear explosions both for military intelligence and arms control, and finding oil and other Earth resources. Modern seismology has many opportunities for people who take an analytical approach to the geophysical sciences, such as those skilled in physics, engineering, applied mathematics, and computer science.