Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Geophysics
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The College of Science at Virginia Tech provides students with interdisciplinary training in analytical skills, a comprehensive foundation in the tools of science and the scientific method, and rigorous education in any of a wide variety of scientific fields. The college supports research centers in areas such as biomedical and public health sciences, applied mathematics, macromolecular science, and many other critical technologies and applied sciences that interface with other Colleges at the University.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Geophysics option offers students the opportunity to specialize in the branch of the geosciences that investigates physical earth processes such as earthquakes and that images the interior of the earth through surface-based physical measurements. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Create a schedule for all required courses and pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Virginia Tech graduation requirements are set based on a student’s entry term to Virginia Tech. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Learning about the geosciences takes students beyond the traditional classroom. Our graduate and undergraduate students partner with our faculty to conduct fundamental and applied research in the wide diversity of fields within the geosciences. This work occurs not only on the Virginia Tech campus but also in field sites and laboratories all over the world. From sampling active tectonic margin in the remote Wrangell Mountains of Alaska, to installing GPS stations on the side of a volcano in Tanzania, to using cutting-edge instrumentation at the Argonne National Laboratory, our students are getting out there, learning, and making a difference. https://geos.vt.edu/study-geosciences-here.html |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Geography longevity: The Department of Geography has over 50 years of academic impact and is regionally highly ranked for its GIS offerings. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of a transferrable associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | You enter as a junior with general education requirements met. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Prior learning score requirements:Â https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Education: Elementary Education Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Geology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Earth Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Physical Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Environmental Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Online Program) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Geology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Geology (Environmental) - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Geology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate in Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science - Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science - Biotechnology Laboratory Technician | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science: Computational & Data Science Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science: Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Education: Grades 6-12 Social Studies Education Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Engineering, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Physical and Natural Sciences, Biotechnology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Pre-Medical | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science-Agribusiness | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Biology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science in Degree - Chemistry Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Mathematics | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Medical Lab Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Natural Resources | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Integrated Environmental Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Agriculture Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Biotechnology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Mathematics Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Biology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Chemistry, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Mathematics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Atmospheric Sciences, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Astronomy, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Biology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Computational and Data Sciences, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid, Online |
| George Mason University | Chemistry, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Environmental Science, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Geography, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Mathematics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Medical Laboratory Science, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Neuroscience, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Physics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Statistics, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Biology-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Chemistry-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Biochemistry-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Ocean & Earth Sci: Oceanogr-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Physics-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Astrophysics-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Exercise Science-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Science with concentration in Biology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Science with concentration in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Science with concentration in Professional Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Science with concentration in Physics, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Germanna Community College | Associate in Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Radford University | BA in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Biomedical Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Geospatial Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Geospatial Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Health Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Information Science and Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Physics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences, Major in Environmental Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Environmental Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Earth Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Central Virginia Community College | AS in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Kinesiology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Public Health Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Science: Mathematics Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Business Administration Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with an Elementary Education (PreK-6) Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Health Science Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Psychology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Social Work Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a STEM Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 25-1051.00 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-4043.00 | Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-2042.00 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-2043.00 | Hydrologists | Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
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