University General Course Catalog 2023-2024 
    
    Nov 22, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2023-2024 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Geological Engineering, B.S. in Geol. Eng.


A truly interdisciplinary degree program, geological engineering applies physics, chemistry, meteorology, hydrology, biology, geology and engineering science to understanding Environment Earth, recognizing and coping with environmental hazards, exploiting natural resources while preserving the environment, and exploring Earth’s context in the solar system. The primary goal of the geological engineering program is to produce a professional who is uniquely skilled in solving problems in multiple technical disciplines.

Students are required to meet with their advisors for program approval and for review of academic progress at least once each semester.

Because of the significant amount of common interdisciplinary coursework, students having their major within the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering may not also have a minor from within the Department.

The Geological Engineering program for the baccalaureate is an accredited degree. Please see more details at the program website here.

Student Learning Outcomes


Students will have:

  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  • an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  • an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
  • an ability to identify rocks and minerals and proficiency in geological science topics including the application of geologic field proficiency to engineering practice.

Contact Information


401 Laxalt Mineral Engineering Building

Phone: (775) 784-6050

College of Science Academic Advisors: https://www.unr.edu/science/student-resources/advising

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno


Use the transfer agreement  and the degree planner (available by clicking Icon Capture42Active-Hidden2021-10-21 20:24:062021-10-21 20:24:06 at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement  if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements


  • Total Units | 125
  • Cumulative GPA | 2.0
  • University GPA | 2.0
  • Major GPA | 2.0
  • Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
  • Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
  • Upper-Division Requirement | 40 Upper-Division Units

I. Core General Education Requirements (27-30 units)


NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy  .”

Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course descriptions.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3


B. Quantitative Reasoning (4 units) - CO2


D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6


E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO7  courses.

F. History & Culture; Constitution (6 units) - CO5, CO8


Refer to the Core Curriculum   chapter in this catalog.

II. Additional Core Requirements (6 units maximum)


Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV).  Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

A. Science, Technology & Society - CO9


B. Diversity & Equity - CO10


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO10  courses.

C. Global Contexts - CO11


D. Ethics - CO12


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO12   courses.

E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis - CO13


F. Application - CO14


III. Additional Requirements (0 units)


IV. Major Requirements (88-90 units)


All geology, geophysics, geological engineering and hydrogeology major courses and electives having GEOL, GPH, or GE prefixes must be passed with a grade of “C” or greater; “C-” or lower is not acceptable.

V. Minor Requirements (0 units)


VI. Electives (0-4 units)


VII. Recommended Schedule


A. First Year


B. Second Year


C. Third Year


D. Fourth Year


Second Semester (15 units)