Some institutions do offer degrees in geotechnical engineering, but more often, the coursework is presented as an area of emphasis or specialty through the civil engineering department of a four-year college or university. In the latter case, a student might pursue either a bachelor's degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in geotechnical engineering, or a bachelor's degree in civil, geological or environmental engineering followed by a master's degree in geotechnical engineering.
Geotechnical Engineer
A geotechnical engineer determines the stability of the ground beneath proposed bridges.
A geotechnical engineer, or soil engineer, is a type of civil engineer who determines whether a specific plot of earth -- soil, rocks and, occasionally, water -- can support a proposed structure. They work with other engineers and architects in the planning of buildings, bridges, tunnels, land-retaining walls, dams and other structures. Applying engineering principles to nature, they analyze soil properties, gauge the stability of land, and help ensure planned foundations and support structures can withstand soil erosion, earthquakes, mudslides and similar events. Often geotechnical engineers are called in after land destabilizing events to handle any resulting structural problems.
Colleges
Many four-year colleges and universities offer civil engineering degrees, but not all offer the geotechnical emphasis or master's degree. Some that do include the Texas A&M University, University of Illinois at Urbana -- Champaign, Purdue University, University of Missouri -- Columbia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, University of Akron, George Washington University, Northwestern University, Cornell University, University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, Illinois Institute of Technology -- Chicago, Northeastern University, University of Alaska -- Anchorage, University of Southern California, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Undergraduate Coursework
A four-year program that can sometimes take five years to complete, the required undergraduate engineering curriculum includes classes in English, social studies and the humanities, along with more advanced study in mathematics and science. Students pursuing the specialized area of geotechnical engineering will also study geology, mineralogy and computer-aided design (CAD).
Graduate Degree
Usually a master's degree program entails one to two years of study beyond the four-year bachelor's degree. Coursework would cover subjects like foundations engineering, ground modification, earth pressure, earth retaining structures, advanced engineering and mathematics, and the mechanics, properties and analysis of soil. Graduate programs might also require each student to complete a research project or thesis.
License
To be eligible for a "professional engineer" (PE) license -- that final, official stamp of approval on any engineer's training -- a candidate must attain a degree from an accredited college engineering program, acquire at least four years of professional engineering experience and, in most cases, pass a state exam. Requirements vary from state to state, but the PE license serves as a guarantee that the engineer is qualified to provide reliable engineering services directly to the general public. Law requires many construction plans to be signed by a licensed professional engineer, who would then be held legally liable for the quality of his work. Unlicensed engineers often work under the oversight -- and seal -- of a licensed engineer.
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