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Master of Science in Mining Engineering

Gain an education in extraction

The Department offers programs leading to the degree of master of science in mining engineering. The general university requirements for advanced degrees are listed in the Graduate School section web page.

The student can elect to pursue one of two program tracks at the graduate level. The first track is a traditional mining engineering program with specialization in various fields, such as computer applications, automation, mine design, mine ventilation, rock mechanics and material handling. The second track is an option in mineral economics with specialization in fields relating to mine management, operations research and mineral economics.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required in order to be accepted as a graduate student. For full graduate standing, at least 30 credits of undergraduate work in mining engineering or related sciences must have been completed.

In addition, students must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Hold a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 for four years of undergraduate work;
• Hold a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 for the last two years of undergraduate work;
• Earn acceptable scores on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination aptitude test, and present letters of recommendation from former instructors indicating capability for advanced course work and research.

Prospective graduate students should send an outline of major interests, experience and transcripts directly to the department chair. Formal application is completed through the Graduate School.

The department offers several graduate fellowships, research assistantships and teaching assistantships. Requests for assistance should be submitted prior to March 15, but all applications will be considered regardless of date of submission.
A written comprehensive examination is required of all mining engineering graduate students. Degree candidates must earn a passing grade on the exam with only two attempts allowed. Students who do not pass the exam after two attempts will be suspended from the graduate program.

Mining Engineering Course Requirements

Course Requirements

Typically Mining Engineering assigns an advisor who customizes the courses to the needs and interests of the student.

Post-Admission Examination Requirements

Non-Thesis: A comprehensive examination is required upon completion of all course work, or near the end of the semester during which all course work will be completed. The exam covers all graduate courses completed by the student.

Other Program Requirements

Deficiencies to be made up by students with B.S. degrees other than mining engineering:

1. Students who have a B.S. degree in a physical science (e.g., geology, physics, chemistry, etc.) must:
   • pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, or satisfactorily complete (i.e., with a cumulative B average) a sufficient number of engineering courses to have a reasonable chance of passing the FE (e.g., at least 12 engineering credits, taken from statics, dynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity).
   • have an adequate preparation in geology, e.g., a minimum of 9 credits in geology.
   • have basic mining knowledge, e.g., a course in mining methods, or broad varied industrial experience, and, prior to or as part of the graduate program, no fewer than 6 credits of mining engineering classes.
   • have taken a course in mineral processing.
2. Students, who have a B.S. degree in Engineering from an accredited or equivalent engineering school, must:
   • have an adequate general knowledge of geology, e.g., a minimum of 9 credits of geology.
   • have basic mining knowledge, e.g., a course in mining methods, and, prior to or as part of the applicant's graduate program, no fewer than 6 credits of mining classes.
   • have taken a course in mineral processing.

Related Mining Engineering Degrees and Programs

• Minor in Mining Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering