Geological Engineering, M.S.

Students may enter this program with undergraduate degrees in geology, engineering or related fields. Specialized classes can be taken in geological sciences, geological engineering, hydrogeology, geophysics, and civil and mining engineering. A cooperative geotechnical program exists with the civil engineering department. Most students complete thesis work in rock slope instability processes, rock mass characterization and design, geostatistics, remote sensing, computer modeling of rock deformation, rock fracture mechanics, geomechanics, planetary geomechanics, and waste containment. A non-thesis option is available in particular cases for professionals to strengthen their background in geological engineering.

State-of-the-art facilities include computers, laboratory testing frames, shear boxes, and a variety of field test and analytical gear.

Graduate students take the Engineer-in-Training examination before completion of their programs.

The Master of Science requires 31 credits including 1 credit of comprehensive examination. The 1 credit of comprehensive examination cannot be used to fulfill the 18 credits of required 700-level course work.