Why you should study geophysics at Scripps
There are two parts to this--why you should go to graduate school in geophysics and why you should go to Scripps.
Why you should go to graduate school in geophysics
Sure, you're probably ready for a break after college. You're a good student and you've worked hard to get your Physics or Earth Science degree. Although you love science, you've heard that jobs are scarce. So it's tempting to take that programming job, buy a nice car and start paying off your loans. Many software companies are hiring people right now at attractive salaries. But, if you go this route, you'll regret it. Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow, but someday you'll regret it and find yourself asking: Why didn't I go to graduate school?
Because you'll get tired of that programming job. You'll burn out after endless 16 hours days of hacking. You will not learn anything important. You and your colleagues will not age well. You will become a boring person and people will avoid you at parties. Any skills you obtain will be obsolete in six months.
You could be going to graduate school in geophysics! Graduate school is just like college--only better. You only take classes for a year or two and then you work on your own research project. You're part of a community of scientists that are engaged in a grand adventure, probing the nature of our planet. It's creative, stimulating work, and you are acquiring skills that will serve you well in the future.
Sure, it doesn't pay as well as a real job. But you'll have more money than you had in college. Most geophysics graduate programs waive tuition and pay enough to live on. You will have flexible hours and the opportunity to do field work and attend conferences in exotic locations. Science is fun! Why rush to the job market and a 30 year mortgage when you can extend your college years and develop a career that will engage and challenge you the rest of your life.
The job market in geophysics is better than in straight physics, and graduates from the top programs are getting good jobs, many of them in academia and government and private labs.
Why you should go to Scripps
Scripps has a great geophysics program, but there are other universities that have first-rate programs. Why should you choose Scripps?
From my perspective as both a former graduate student (1981-1986) and current faculty member, let me list some of the reasons:
-
A large and diverse number of faculty engaged in a variety of projects, including seismology, geodesy, geomagnetism, geomorphology, mantle convection and E/M methods. Theoretical, observational and experimental approaches are all used.
-
The beach.
-
An office in the Keller during your first year (the Keller probably has the most spectacular view of any graduate student office in the United States).
-
Numerous opportunities to go on research cruises or assist with field programs on land.
-
The beach.
-
Taking inverse theory (really!).
-
Abundant recreational opportunities. SIO grad students are active rock climbers, surfers, kayakers, mountain bikers, wind surfers, and hikers.
-
The beach.
-
A congenial atmosphere without the nasty infighting that prevails at some departments.
-
Near perfect San Diego weather, year round.
-
The beach.
-
Students are treated as colleagues and are usually first authors on papers.
-
A proven track record in turning out good students who have gone on to have great careers. Examples include: Greg Anderson, Ralph Archeleta, Rick Aster, Cathy Constable, Ken Creager, Tony Dahlen, Don Helmberger, Catherine Johnson, Graham Kent, Kristine Larson, Marcia McNutt, John Orcutt, Jeff Park, Mike Ritzwoller, Loren Shure, and Paul Silver.
-
The beach.
-
IGPP operates the IRIS/IDA part of the global seismic network, the Anza regional seismic network, the Pinon flat geophysics observatory, and has active seagoing programs in ocean bottom seismology and EM measurements.
Finally, forget about all the reasons above. Maybe you will realize after five years that graduate school, for you, has been a complete waste of time. Well, at least if you go to Scripps you will have wasted five years of your life in a fun place compared to some of your other choices....
David Sandwell, our surfing professor, catches a wave at Blacks.
Geophysics Graduate Program
Info on Scripps Graduate Department
Return to Peter Shearer's home page