Geological Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree

Geological Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree

BUILD YOUR FUTURE TODAY

The Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering program at Colorado School of Mines prepares graduates for careers that focus on the interaction between humans and earth. Undergraduate students learn a variety of vital topics and skills in our program, including how to:

Evaluate and stabilize foundations for buildings, roads and other structures
Locate, develop and protect water supplies
Find and extract mineral and energy resources (such as oil, gas and coal) safely and with care for the environment
Characterize contaminated sites and groundwater for cleanup

The geological engineering curriculum emphasizes laboratory and field experience, including six weeks of geologic mapping and direct observation in the mountains and canyons of southwestern Colorado and Utah.

Learn more about our exciting program here: Department of Geology and Geological Engineering website.

GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING AT A GLANCE

Hands-on research opportunities	Nationally ranked program
World-class laboratory facilities	Professor Sonnenberg recognized with AAPG Lifetime Contribution Award

The Geological Engineering curriculum provides a strong foundation in the basic sciences, mathematics, geological science and basic engineering along with specialized upper-level instruction in integrated applications to real problems. Engineering design is integrated throughout the four-year program, beginning in Design I (freshman year) and ending with the capstone design courses in the senior year.

Geological Engineering Curriculum

Areas of Special Interest

Geological Engineering

Available Minor

Geological Engineering

Career options for geological engineering majors:

Groundwater engineer
Petroleum exploration and development
Mineral exploration and development
Geological scientist
Hydrologist
Geological engineer
Mineral engineer
Seismic engineer

WHY STUDY GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING AT MINES?

With a renowned faculty engaged in cutting-edge research, you’ll receive an outstanding education and truly understand how the study and practice of geological engineering serves society. At Mines, we believe in learning by doing, which is why we offer a variety of hands-on learning and research opportunities for our undergraduate students.

Why study geological engineering at Mines? Just take a look:

World-class laboratory facilities
Access to some of the best field sites in the world
Faculty with diverse areas of interest and expertise
Specialized capstone design courses
Take part in a truly unique university environment with our traditions including the M Climb and Engineering Days

CAREER OUTCOMES

By studying geological engineering at Mines, you’ll be equipped with the skills, expertise and passion to take that next step—where it may take you. With an annual career fair featuring 400+ employers, it’s clear that Mines graduates are highly sought after and valued.

Many of our geological engineering major have gone on to work in a variety of related fields for top industry partners—both nationally and internationally. Some of the leading career options for our majors include:

Groundwater engineer

Petroleum exploration and development
Mineral exploration and development
Geological scientist
Hydrologist
Geological engineer
Mineral engineer
Seismic engineer

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Kevin Cannon

DR. KEVIN CANNON

Dr. Kevin Cannon serves as an assistant professor in geology and geological engineering at Mines. With a PhD in Planetary Sciences from Brown University, Dr. Cannon brings a wealth of knowledge and teaching experience to our campus.

Dr. Cannon’s research interests include developing GIS for landing site characterization and surface operations, testing new hardware concepts for transforming and using planetary materials as resources and more. He teaches Advanced Planetary Geology.

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Making Mines
More Affordable.

Mines’ financial assistance program awards more than $60 million per year, and over 82 percent of the student body receives some form of financial aid.

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