A rock may be a rock to most people, but not to a geologist. It's a part of the earth, and geology is the art and science of using that rock to study and understand the earth. And with the challenge to design buildings, produce fuels and minerals, and protect and preserve our environment, you could say geologists have a rock-solid future.

What's different about it?

Turn up the wattage on a regular geology degree, and you've got geological engineering at Mines. By combining a strong foundation in math, science, and engineering with a superb understanding of the earth materials, you've got much more than just a degree in geology. The program is ABET-accredited, and Mines has one of the largest geological engineering programs in the U.S.

If you like being outside, you'll like geology at Mines. Fieldwork is a critical part of the program, and Colorado is the ideal geological laboratory. You'll take study trips to the mountains and complete a summer field course in eastern Utah and southwestern Colorado.

And don't think that studying rocks isn't high-tech. You'll work with state-of-the-art analytical and computing techniques including Geographical Information Systems and three- and four-dimensional computer programs.

With a large faculty and small enrollment, the Geological Engineering department is a great place for one-to-one relationships, and the faculty work on that. Plus, the strong research program and large number of international students give you a chance to learn about new technologies and people from all over the world.

What can I do with it?

Mines geological engineering grads have a long history of careers in mineral and energy exploration and development. That's still true, but today many graduates also choose careers in hydrology, contaminant waste management, and geotechnical engineering -- fields all related to the environment.