It sounds simple enough: the combination of geo -- the Greek word for earth -- and physics -- the science of matter and energy, and the interaction between the two. It's interdisciplinary. It uses physics, math, chemistry, and computer science. And it tries to study and understand the complex environment called earth. That's geophysics.

What's different about it?

There are over 35 colleges and universities in the U.S. where you can study geophysics, but only two have ABET-accredited programs in geophysical engineering. And of those two, Mines has the oldest and largest program.

With 12 full-time faculty and a small undergraduate enrollment, geophysics classes have 15-20 students and all the individual attention you could want. It is a friendly, informal, and supportive environment, and it gives you the chance to develop in ways that simply don't happen at larger schools.

What can I do with it?

Mines geophysical engineering grads often work in oil and gas exploration all over the world. Others work with engineering, geotechnical, and environmental companies or attend graduate school at places like Stanford, MIT, and Caltech.