Mineral Resource Engineering, Ph.D.

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The faculty of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Department offers a Ph.D. degree in Mineral Resources Engineering.

Potential dissertation research topics for students from Mining and Metallurgical Engineering include, but are not limited to:

rock mechanics,
ground control,
mine design,
mine ventilation,
health & safety,
mine automation and robotics,
geothermal energy,
mineral processing and extractive metallurgy.

The Mineral Resources Engineering, Ph.D. Program has two areas of concentrations:

mining engineering, and
metallurgical engineering.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

create state-of-art knowledge in the earth sciences and engineering disciplines, such as mining, metallurgical, and geological engineering.
develop novel solutions to existing problems.
write research proposals, reports, and quality research articles.
communicate effectively during research presentations and teaching at the undergraduate level.
build networks by attending conferences and professional meetings.

Contact Information

Manoj Mahonty, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
(775) 784-6963
mmahonty@unr.edu

Mailing Address:
University of Nevada, Reno
Department of Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering,
Mail Stop 0173
1664 N. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557

Admission Requirements

General Admissions Requirements

Students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to be accepted as a graduate student. For full graduate standing, at least 30 units of undergraduate work in mining/metallurgical engineering and/or related fields must have been completed.

To be considered for admission, students must meet the following minimum university requirements:

Grade-point average (GPA): Four-year undergraduate GPA of 2.75 for applicants to a M.S. degree program, or 3.0 GPA for a Ph.D. degree program.
Minimum language proficiency requirement of the Graduate School must be met (international students only).

Prospective applicants should have a degree in any branch of the geological sciences, physical sciences or engineering. Degree requirements for this program are listed in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

Additional Admission Requirements

For admission to the Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, prospective students must also submit the following:

Three letters of recommendation certifying ability to perform graduate-level work at the desired level (M.S. or Ph.D.).
A two-page personal statement of interest stating why UNR is their school of choice, why they wish to pursue the desired degree (M.S. or Ph.D.), and what specialties and/or faculty the applicant is interested in.
Copies of transcripts and language proficiency scores (if applicable).

The Admissions Committee gives comparable weight to each item submitted as part of the application package so an applicant will not be denied admission based solely on his/her GPA. It is advisable for applicants to contact prospective faculty advisors to discuss their interests prior to applying. A physical visit to UNR to see the Department and meet with the prospective faculty advisor can also be critical to a successful application for graduate study.

Applicants for the Ph.D. degree in Mineral Resource Engineering must satisfy the general admission requirements of the Graduate School.

Application Deadlines and Addresses

For fall semester admission, complete applications (i.e., the items listed above) must be received by the Department no later than February 1st
For spring semester admission, completed applications must be received by the Department no later than September 15.
Official transcripts are sent directly to the UNR Graduate School to arrive there well before these stated deadlines
The applicant’s personal statement and letters of recommendation are to be included in the general graduate studies application form by these deadlines.

I. Program Requirements

The Ph.D. degree requires 64 units including 24 units of 700-level course work.

A. Seminar (2 units)

One unit in each of two semesters.

MINE 790 - Graduate Seminar (1 to 3 units)

B. Electives (37 units)

Selection of elective courses must be approved in advance by each student’s advisory committee. Courses outside MINE may be included here with advisory committee permission.