A number of institutions across America offer courses in geological engineering
Geological engineers work to make the best use of the Earth's resources for practical purposes while also protecting the environment. While the field is broad, encompassing aspects such as mineral extraction, hydrology and mining, professionals usually have a solid grounding in the fundamentals of both geology and engineering, with this provided by a number of colleges and universities across America.
Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University offers a Bachelor of Science degree course in geological engineering at its Houghton facility. The course is geared towards giving students a thorough grounding in geology as well as in the humanities, social sciences and economics, to ensure that graduates are able to embark upon a career within the field. Alongside the standard modules, Michigan Tech provides training in energy and mineral resource management, geomechanics and groundwater engineering. The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Science gives students the chance to take advantage of a range of summer internships as well as access to study or work abroad opportunities.
University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin runs a graduate degree in geological engineering, with prospective students required to have undergraduate-level expertise in either geology or engineering science, as well as proven knowledge of mathematics. While there is no set path that Master's students must take, they are required to earn at least 24 credits and achieve a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all of their work. Courses include those focusing on rock mechanics, tectonophysics, soil mechanics and hydrology. Additionally, students are also welcome to apply for PhD study in the field of geological engineering, though applicants will be asked to undertake a minor as well as earning at least 72 graduate credits.
University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno's Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses focused on geological engineering. The self-contained Bachelor degree is particularly geared towards training students in potential geological hazards and the mitigation of such risks, with modules also focusing on geomechanics, geotechnical engineering and environmental remediation. The department also offers two graduate school options. Students can either take the thesis route and undertake an original piece of research in a field related to geological engineering, or those with professional experience are able to attend evening classes and write a professional paper in order to obtain their Master's.
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
The University of Alaska in Fairbanks offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in geological engineering, including the option of pursuing a PhD in the field. Bachelor students are required to earn 134 credit hours to graduate, with modules covering the basics of satellite imagery, groundwater hydrology and geological exploration. Undergraduates are also invited to engage in interdisciplinary studies, both within and outside of the university's College of Engineering and Mines. The Master of Science program, meanwhile, requires students to obtain between 30 and 33 credit hours. Postgrads are able to focus their studies on subjects including advanced mineral economics, geostatical engineering or geological hazards and can choose whether they want to write a thesis for the course.
Tags: geological engineering, across America, Alaska Fairbanks, both undergraduate, both undergraduate postgraduate
