How to Become a Seismologist: Courses, Types, Colleges, Abroad, Salary, Jobs 2023

How To Become a Seismologist : Steps To Follow 

The students need to have some amount of formative information about the career as a seismologist. The career as a seismologist requires the candidates to take some amount of sequential steps before enrolling in a course. While there is plenty of information on the internet, it would be helpful if there was a step by step guide to the whole process. 

The step by step process about how to become a Seismologist has been mentioned below.

• Decision Making: Before enrolling in a programme, research must be done about the course and career. Candidates must look into the available courses, internationally and in India, their eligibility criteria, entrance tests, required subjects. The course fees, placements and specialisations should be looked into. Other important aspects to look into are the career graph and salary range. While one can start working with a bachelor's degree, most organizations prefer to have Seismologists who have a master’s degree. Candidates must analyse what skills are required to study the Seismology course and must look to develop them. Seismology jobs are physically demanding but pay well, with jobs available in both private and public organisations. One must be able to meet all the job demands well in order to progress well in the course. Thus, candidates must look entirely at the cost benefit analysis before choosing a career as a seismologist. 
• Subject Choices: To build up a career as a successful Seismologist, one needs to study some specific subjects at class 12th level. Candidates are required to choose the Science stream and have Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Some institutes that offer bachelor’s courses in Geophysics may ask for Biology as a subject at class 12th. Similarly, to study a postgraduate course, the bachelor’s course specialisation should be in Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Earth Science or subjects related to Seismology specialisation.Candidates should keep in mind that for all levels of courses, the aggregate score should be high at 55% to 60% at least. If one wishes there are doctorate courses too in Seismology specialisations. To pursue a PhD, a master’s degree is needed in Geophysics or other Earth Science disciplines.
• Entrance Examination Preparation: At both, the bachelor's and master’s level admissions are done on an entrance test basis. In some cases the bachelor level admissions are done on the basis of merit list. Universities accept both national, state and university level entrance tests for admission. At the bachelor's courses, the most popular entrance examinations are JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The entrances are used for admission to B.Tech in Geosciences, B.Tech in Earth Science, etc. State and university level tests like UPSEE and Amity JEE are also popular. At the master’s level, prepare for GATE, CUSAT CAT, TS PGECET etc. University level entrance examination for master’s courses is LPU NEST and IIT JAM. Depending on the chosen exam, one can look up the examination syllabus, marking, recent changes and past papers. Mock examinations are also held by the organizing authority before the exam. It is recommended to refer to text as well as reference books for their preparation.
• Selecting Correct Colleges: Attempting the entrance test and securing a rank is the first step. Next the candidates must prepare a list of universities that provide the course and specialisation of choice. Each institute varies greatly in terms of course fees, placements, infrastructure, faculty, internships etc. Look into current Government rankings of the colleges like the NIRF annual rankings. It would be ideal to take the help of teachers and seniors of the particular college for recommendations and advice, if needed. Also if the entrance test has already been conducted, look up which institutes accept the score obtained by the candidates. However, for the university-level entrance examination, applicants are invited for counselling immediately after the entrance test.
• After Qualifying Exam: Once the universities have been selected, chosen candidates will be invited for a counselling round. Here personal interviews take place and on spot admission can be taken. Pay the admission fee for the chosen college and secure a seat. For undergraduate courses, applicants are required to take the JEE Advanced after qualifying for the JEE Main examination. A high rank is to be scored on both exams to be invited for counselling. It is slightly different for master’s course examinations. Examinations like GATE are concluded in one round. For all levels, once results are declared, shortlist colleges and start applying to them once the cut-offs are released. Candidates are required to attend the counselling round and take admission.
• After Completion of the course: After taking admission Candidates are required to pass their semester examination and secure good grades so that they can appear for interview in top companies. After completion of the course the candidates must look for a job in the particular field. If the candidates are unable to find jobs then they must look for internships so that they get some experience.

Types of Seismologists 

A Seismology course opens up various jobs in several industries. Each job is different but has overlapping aspects of job responsibilities. Besides regular jobs in the field, graduates can also work in universities and institutes as an educator. In India, Seismologists job titles can vary according to specialization and experience level. All available jobs are either full-time or consultant positions. Consultants are experts in their field who are hired on for specific projects. A brief description of all the job titles along with their job duties and responsibilities and the average salary are as below.

Basis of Specialisation 

• Geophysicist: The Geophysicist is an individual who studies the Earth and the factors that affect it in different ways. They make use of various aspects like gravity, electrical, magnetic and seismic methods to perform their job. A Geophysicist typically works with solid, fluid and the upper atmosphere of the earth. The data collected by them is used to better existing technologies and build newer innovations that can aid in building safer constructions or help them prevent future disasters. Some Geophysicists are required to work in the field and collect primary data required for the future research. While for others their work is entirely done indoors doing research and reports using already collected data. The average salary for a Geophysicist in India is INR 10,39,000 LPA.
• Geologist: A Geologist is tasked with understanding geological or geophysical events like earthquakes, landslides, floods, volcano eruptions etc. Their studies and research is used to build better and safer buildings and structures. Geologists are hired in the Energy, Environmental Protection, Construction, Disaster Mitigation industries. A Geologist will not just work in studying the earthly elements but also look for better methods to extract oil, gas, metals, minerals and water. A Geologist is well versed in the history of the planet and can explain natural events and how they shape the earth over time. The average salary of a Geologist is INR 5,98,539 LPA in India.
• Seismic Engineer: In more simple terms, a Seismic Engineer is a Civil Engineer who is responsible for building earthquake-resistant buildings or structures.. They work with materials like steel and concrete. They also perform various tests to understand how much damage each material can withstand. They work with not just commercial buildings but also large national projects like airports, bridges etc. Most Seismic Engineers are full-time employees in organizations. However, there are consultant Seismic Engineers who specialise in one aspect of Seismic Engineering. They are hired on for specific projects to solve certain problems and are let go once the project finishes. The average salary of a Seismic Engineer in India is INR 7,00,000 LPA.

Basis of Level of Seniority 

• Junior Seismologist: The Junior Seismologist is an entry-level job in the field of seismology. They work under a Senior Seismologist in a team with other Junior Seismologists. Their main job role is the collection of primary data from the various on field activities. The next part of the job includes cleaning up the primary data , calculation, analysis and tabulation of the primary data and storing them for further research purposes.They use the data they collect to build up logs and charts of present and future earthquakes. The work of a Junior Seismologist is important to help with further research of the Senior Seismologist. In most cases, a Junior Seismologist is either working on their own or has a ground-level staff who follows their orders. The average salary of a Junior Seismologist is INR 6,60,000 LPA.
• Senior Seismologist: The Senior Seismologist handles a team of Junior Seismologists. They have years of experience in the field and use it to better perform their duties. They make sure their overall goal of the research is being met. Organizations require Senior Seismologists to possess a PhD in Geophysics and considerable work experience in the chosen field. The Senior Seismologist occasionally works on the field with their juniors overseeing the work. All findings and predictions are collected by the Senior Seismologist and conveyed to the Managers and other organization heads. In India, one can expect to earn an average salary of INR 9,00,000 LPA as a Senior Seismologist.

How to Become a Seismologist in India?

Since Seismologist is a job that requires much scientific knowledge and skills, there are educational conditions to fulfil. To pursue any course in Geophysics or Seismology, there are specific streams or subjects to take up at the school level. Admissions to a bachelor’s level course are primarily through a national or state level entrance test like the JEE Main and JEE Advanced. At the school level, students can also start preparing for the chosen entrance test. Other requirements have been written below.

School Level Preparation 

The preparation to become a seismologist starts from the school level itself. The candidates must be extremely careful in choosing their subjects as well as the stream at the school level. The following are the steps that the candidates can take during their school life in order to become a successful seismologist .

• Choose Science as the stream in class 12th. Arts and Commerce stream students are not eligible to gain admission in Geophysics.
• There are also certain subjects to take up at class 12th. For Geophysics, take up Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
• Some institutes might ask for either Biology or Computer. These are optional subjects that will help with admission but not mandatory. However, in most cases the candidates have to choose between them. So the candidates must check out which colleges prefer what subject combination.
• Competition is quite high with thousands of students taking the entrance test. Aim at securing a minimum aggregate score of at least 50% and above.

• The candidates are advised to practice the last year papers of entrance exams such as JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, LPU NEST, etc.

How to Become a Seismologist after 12th?

After completing class 12th, one has the option of enrolling on a bachelors course. At this level, the university conducts their admissions through entrance tests and a counselling round. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, a masters course is available. Master’s courses admissions are also done through entrance tests like IIT JAM, LPUNEST,GATE etc. Higher-level job positions ask for a doctorate degree. This is mainly required in the cases of research oriented jobs. They admit students through a national level or university level examination and conduct a final interview for selection.

UG Preparation 

• At the undergraduate levels, budding Seismologists can enrol and earn a B.Sc in Geophysics, Physics, Chemistry, Geology etc. Other specialisations to choose from are Earthquake Engineering, Seismology, Earth Sciences, Geophysics etc course. Some of the engineering courses are B.Tech in Geoscience, B.Tech in Earth Science. 
• Admissions at the undergraduate level are through entrance tests like the JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Universities also conduct their own entrance tests for admissions like BHU UET.
• Choose and register to take an entrance test. Competition is high and one must aim at attaining a high enough rank score.
• Once results are declared, proceed to the next step. Shortlist colleges that offer the chosen course. Look at college ranking, faculty, placements to help in the process. Wait for the college to release their cut-off lists before proceeding to the next step.
• If a candidate is able to meet a college’s cut-offs, apply for counselling. Go through the counselling process, take interviews with professors. Admission can also be taken on the spot to enrol in the course of choice.
• Complete all course requirements and score a minimum of 55% to graduate with a bachelors degree and for master’s course admission. Prepare for a master's course entrance test like GATE.
• During the final year of the course the candidates must take part in various internships and gain experience so that they are absorbed by various companies

PG Preparation 

• Most of the top companies prefer to have candidates that have completed their master level programs. The popular courses for seismologist aspirants are MSc in Geophysics, MSc Geology, MTech in Applied Geophysics, etc. 
• Candidates can prepare to take the GATE, IIT JAM or UPSEE test to take admission in the various masters courses.. Registration can be done online using the official website. Take note of any changes in the dates and paper pattern. Download the admit card and take the examination.
• Candidates must aim at securing a rank in the top 10 percent of the total applicants. This will help them in standing out from other students. With the required mark, candidates must move on to the next step, applying for colleges.
• Shortlist colleges once the cut-off lists are released. Apply for counselling from the official university website.
• At the counselling round, students should carry all the required documents and photographs. The university can also take personal interviews with the respective department heads. Attend personal interviews and other admission rounds. Take admission if offered a seat.
• Enrol into an M.Sc or M.Tech degree in Seismology, Earthquake Engineering, Earth Science etc. During the PG Courses the candidates can start preparing for research based courses such as PhD or MPhil. The candidates are required to take the various entrance examinations such as GATE, UGC NET, etc for admission to the PG Courses. 

How to Become a Seismologist Abroad 

Candidates often prefer to pursue Seismology courses from the foreign nations. The reason behind this is that the foreign universities provide the candidates with better infrastructural support along with research facilities and of course a better payment. 

Let us see the various courses that the students can pursue in different foreign nation to become a successful seismologist

UK 

Candidates who wish to study in the UK should keep the following things in mind before pusing different courses in Seismology. 

• In the United Kingdom, aspirants can apply to both bachelors and masters courses in Geophysics, Geology, Earthquake Engineering, Structural Engineering etc.
• The duration of a full-time bachelors course is 3 years and a masters is 1 year.
• All international applicants need to be fluent in English. Accepted English proficiency test scores are TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, Cambridge Test etc.

• Some courses might require their candidates to have prior work experience. Accordingly, proof of employment is to be submitted.

Admission Process 

• Undergraduate admissions are done through the UCAS portal while the master's admissions are done through the university website.
• Register and create a profile and start filling up the application form.
• Upload documents like English proficiency test scores, letters of references, work experience proof (if needed)

• If selected Pay the application fee and submit the application.

Top Colleges 

USA 

Candidates who want to study in the USA should keep the following things in mind before applying for admission to courses in Seismology or Geophysics.

• The United States of America has Seismology and Earth Science related courses at all levels.
• The undergraduate courses are of 4 years while masters courses are completed in 1 to 2 years.
• International students are accepted every year and there are fellowship programmes too in place.
• All international students need to be fluent in English and should submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Educational requirements are different from institute to institute. Applicants should have had PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) at the school level and a bachelor’s degree in the same specialisation.

Admission Process 

• Similar to UK universities, in the USA undergraduate applications are to be submitted through the Common Application portal. Graduate applications are taken through university websites.
• When the application date opens up,candidates are required to register themselves and start applying.
• Fill up the application form and upload all necessary documents.
• Submit transcripts, English proficiency test scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose etc.

• Pay the application fee and submit.

Top Colleges 

Canada 

Candidates who want is study in Canada should keep the following things in mind before speaking admission to courses in Seismology Courses

• In Canada, aspirants have access to bachelors and masters in Geophysics, Geology, Earth Sciences etc.
• The duration of bachelors courses is 4 years while masters courses are taught over 2 years.
• The admission requirements of all courses are different and must be looked at carefully. However, students should possess a bachelor’s degree in the same specialisation.
• International students must be fluent in either English or French.

• Some master’s courses in Canada are research-based programs that require the submission of a thesis at the end.

Admission Process 

• In Canada, undergraduate and graduate admissions are to be done through the university website.
• There are three terms annually, Spring, Summer and Winter. Register at the right time to start applying.
• Fill up the application form and submit the necessary documents.
• Scan and upload letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, transcripts, French or English proficiency test score etc.

• Pay the application fee and submit.

Top Colleges 

Australia

Candidates who want is study in Australia should keep the following things in mind before speaking admission to courses in Seismology Courses

• Australia offers full-time undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.
• At the UG level, applicants must have had PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) subjects in school while for PG a bachelor's degree in the same specialisation is required.
• Similar to other countries, international applicants must possess an English proficiency test score like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE etc.

• Bachelors courses are completed over 3 years while masters courses take 2 years to finish.

Admission Process 

• All applications are to be done through the university website.
• Register and start filling up the application form.
• Ensure all subject and entrance test requirements are being met.
• Submit English proficiency test score, statement of purpose, recommendation letters etc.

• Pay the application fee and submit an application.

Top Colleges 

Benefits of Career as Seismologist 

Seismology as a career brings in many different benefits. While each individual will experience different benefits, an overall list of the general benefits can be prepared. Some of the top benefits of pursuing career as a seismologist has been listed below

Salary: Geology and Earth Science Industry offers good salary to the individuals. Considering The long field work hours and sometimes extreme environments, the salary range for the professional in this field can be considered more than adequate. The course requirements and job responsibilities are demanding and one is compensated accordingly. The pay range for individuals in the field is between INR 5.98 LPA to INR 12 LPA.

Job Security: Job security is there for experienced and qualified individuals in the field. Matters of Seismology are unpredictable and Seismologists need to work consistently. When one earns more experience, there are higher chances of job security as well as career development. .

Positive Impact of the career: Seismology and Earth Science experts have the satisfaction of making the earth a safe place. They make sure the buildings are earthquake-proof and future earthquakes and related natural disasters are detected early. There is no noble job other than being able to save lives. Hence it adds to their overall job satisfaction.

Higher studies: Graduates from the Seismology courses have the option of higher education. There are masters courses, postgraduate diploma and doctorate courses. Depending on the individual’s qualification and future aspirations, courses are available. Similarly, the individual can also go for various international courses that are associated with research. 

Unique Experience: Seismology is a unique field in terms of what the average Seismologist does. They study the earth and earthquakes and design models that help them to avert future disasters. Their work is constant and one that requires mental and physical capacity. People passionate about Earth Sciences will thrive in this field.

Skills Required for Seismologist 

All successful Seismologists attribute their success to a few top skills. The table below lists the top skills for a Seismologist.