Senior Research Scientist Tiziana Vanorio and student Carmem Gomez work on their research in the Rock Physics Lab.

Geophysics is a field that integrates geology, mathematics, and physics in order to understand how the Earth works. Geophysicists study Earth processes through a combination of laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. Research in the Geophysics Department at Stanford has both fundamental and strategic elements. Our students benefit from this breadth of exposure and are highly sought after for rewarding careers in academia, industry, and government.
 We offer a variety of research programs and educational opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. Our research is central to addressing challenges humanity faces in hazards, energy, and the environment, and ranges from the purely theoretical to the deeply practical, and from planetary-scale to the pore-scale. For detailed descriptions of our research programs, please explore our website, but keep in mind that our research is constantly evolving as new discoveries are made and new research challenges are uncovered.

To Apply

The following items must be received by the deadline of Wednesday, December 13, 2011 in order to be considered:

• Statement of purpose
• Application fee ($125 for all applicants)
• Official Transcripts sent to department address- 2 from each postsecondary institution attended (unofficial transcripts uploaded to the online application cannot be used as substitute)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE General Test scores*
• TOEFL scores (if applicable)**

*GRE - The GRE General Test is required. Scores must be from tests taken within five years. Scores must be reported directly to Stanford from ETS.

**TOEFL - Applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL scores from a test taken within the last eight months. The TOEFL is waived for individuals who have earned a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States or the equivalent of either degree from a non-U.S. college or university of recognized standing where all instructions is provided in English. This exception does not apply if the courses were completed in a country where English is spoken but not all instruction is provided in English. Scores must be reported directly to Stanford from ETS. 

Departamental Requirements

Two Official transcripts should be mailed to:
Tara Ilich
Geophysics Department
397 Panama Mall, Mitchell Building room 321
Stanford, CA 94305-2215

Find application form at Stanford Graduate Admissions website.