Dr. Yehuda Ben Zion

Professor

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Biography

Yehuda Ben-Zion is a Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California and the Director of the Statewide California Earthquake Center. His research focuses on the physics of earthquakes and faults, utilizing a variety of theoretical tools and observational techniques. His interests revolve around the processes that lead to large earthquakes, high-resolution imaging of fault zones, and the dynamics of earthquakes and their properties. Ben-Zion's work also includes the analysis of seismic hazards and the study of brittle damage rheology. He has held numerous visiting professorships at prestigious institutions, including the GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ in Germany and Joseph Fourier University in France. He has an extensive publication record, with contributions to various journals and edited volumes in geophysics and applied geophysics.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2005-08-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Professor in Earth Sciences with research focused on the physics of earthquakes and faults.

Visiting Professor

2010-01-01 — 2011-01-01

GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ • Potsdam, Germany

Conducted research and taught courses in geophysics during a visiting professorship.

Visiting Professor

2010-01-01 — 2011-01-01

Joseph Fourier University • Grenoble, France

Conducted research and taught courses in geophysics.

Visiting Professor

2010-01-01 — 2011-01-01

University of Western Australia • Perth, Australia

Conducted research and taught courses in geophysics.

Awards

#

Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship Recipient

#

Beno Gutenberg Medal

2022-05-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.