Undergraduate Studies in Geological Engineering

List of Courses 2005
Engineering Advising Checklist 2005-2006
Exploration Advising Checklist 2005-2006
Flowchart 2004

A Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering is the basis for careers concentrating on the interaction of humans and the earth. Geological Engineers deal with a wide variety of the resource and environmental problems that come with accommodating more and more people on a finite planet. Foundations for building, roads and other structures must be properly evaluated and stabilized; contaminated sites and ground-water must be accurately characterized before cleanup can be accomplished; water supplies must be located, developed and protected; and new mineral and energy resources must be located and developed in an environmentally sound manner. Geological Engineers are the professionals trained to meet these challenges.

The B.S., Geological Engineering curriculum provides a strong basis in geological science and traditional engineering along with specialized upper level instruction in integrated applications to real problems. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and students have the background to take the Engineer in Training Exam and to become registered Professional Engineers. Graduates follow five general career paths.

• Geological Engineering/Geotechnics. Careers in site investigation, design and stabilization of foundations; site characterization, design, construction and remediation of waste disposal sites or contaminated sites; and assessment of geologic hazards.

   

• Hydrogeology. Careers in assessment and remediation of ground-water contamination, design of ground-water control facilities for geotechnical projects and exploration for and development of ground-water supplies.

   

• Petroleum Exploration and Development. The location of oil, gas and coal and their efficient extraction.

   

• Mineral Exploration and Development. The search for and development of natural deposits of metals, industrial materials and rock aggregate.

   

• Geological Science. Students are also well prepared to pursue careers in basic geo-science. Graduates have become experts in fields as divergent as global climate change, the early history of the Earth, planetary science, fractal representation of ground-water flow and simulation of sedimentary rock sequences, to name a few.

   

The curriculum can be followed along two concentration paths with slightly different upper division requirements. Both concentrations are identical in the first two years as the students gain basic engineering, geological and other science background. In the junior year those students pursuing careers in hydrogeology, geotechnics and other environmental applications follow a path specially designed to emphasize engineering applications. Students anticipating careers in resource exploration and development or who expect to pursue graduate studies in geological sciences follow a path more strongly emphasizing geology, but still provides significant application instruction and experience.

At all levels the GE program emphasizes laboratory and field experience. All courses have a laboratory session and after the junior year students participate in a field course, which is six weeks of geologic mapping and direct observation. The course involves considerable time outdoors in the mountains and canyons of southwestern Colorado and Utah.

At the senior level, students take course sequences in at least two areas of specialization. These sequences are an initial course in the basics of a field, followed by a design oriented course that emphasizes experience in direct application of the principles through field trips and real projects.

Students interested in careers in Geological Engineering are encouraged to enroll in a one unit Spring course (GEOL102) entitled "Careers in Geological Engineering." The course is a series of presentations by faculty and outside professionals on all aspects of these careers, designed to inform the students of the opportunities available, the nature careers and to help them make important career decisions. All students are invited to participate.

NOTE: This is not an official document. The CSM Graduate School Bulletin should be referred to for current requirements.