Courses in geophysics during the junior and senior years emphasize knowledge transfer from the fields of math and physics to techniques and problems in both theoretical and applied geophysics. Technical electives allow students to focus on specific career objectives. The Environmental and Petroleum tracks prepare students for the most common career paths for geophysicists. 

Whereas graduates from the Geophysics program will have employment opportunities in industry, the rigor of this degree is designed to prepare students for advanced study. The MS degree is generally considered to be the entry degree for professionals in the petroleum industry. Students interested in teaching in a university or research in an academic, government or industrial laboratory should seek the PhD.