密苏里科技大学

Graduate students in geological engineering work on cutting-edge applied research projects that target problems of local, regional and often global significance. Recent graduates have worked on projects ranging from applications in space mining, water resources, drone technologies, to engineering geophysics.

Geological engineering is the application of the knowledge and principles of geology to the solution of problems in engineering practice. These applications include the evaluation of geological conditions for environmental protection studies, for groundwater resource and pollution investigations, for mineral and energy development, for site selection of civil works facilities, and for land use and environmental impact analysis. The master’s degree can be earned with a thesis or a non-thesis option.

There are two options in the master's program (thesis option and non-thesis option). The non-thesis option requires coursework only, while the thesis option requires a thesis with your research advisor with less coursework.

Both options are equally considered for admission without preference or priority. For the thesis option, the procedure of how to secure an advisor and seek his or her confirmation is the same as that of Ph.D.

Research MS in Geological Engineering

The thesis MS program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours, including at least 21 credit hours of lecture courses (at least 9 of which must be in geological engineering), 6 or more credit hours of Geo Eng 6099 (Research), and enrollment in Geo Eng 6010 (Geological Engineering Graduate Seminar) for a minimum of two semesters.

Coursework MS in Geological Engineering

The non-thesis MS program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours, including at least one course in each of the three core areas (first table below), plus one or more courses from each of the four emphasis areas following. No fewer than four courses of the total must be geological engineering courses. Course substitutions may be made on a case-by-case basis, especially if some of these courses have been completed as part of the undergraduate curriculum.

Career as a geological engineer

As a geological engineer, you might divide your time between field, laboratory and office work. In the field, you might examine and map the extent, structural features, and stability of rocks and soils. You may collect samples for testing of their physical and chemical properties, or you may conduct programs for on-site testing. In the laboratory, you might perform direct testing of strength and permeability, or organize research programs. Office work includes the evaluation of data, computer modeling of geological conditions, writing of scientific reports, and participation in the planning, designing and construction of engineering projects.