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Geological Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering

Understanding Our Planet

The Geological Engineering degree is designed to enhance students' professional abilities in engineering and the geological sciences. Although often equated with geotechnical engineering, a discipline closely aligned with civil engineering, geological engineering is more correctly characterized as a program focused on geologic hazards mitigation and natural resources characterization. In one sense, geological engineering is a form of environmental engineering.

The Geological Engineering degree applies physics, chemistry, meteorology, hydrology, biology, geology and engineering science to understanding the Earth, recognizing and coping with environmental hazards, exploiting natural resources while preserving the environment, and exploring Earth's context in the solar system.

The primary goal of the degree is to produce a professional who is uniquely skilled in solving problems in multiple technical disciplines. Graduates in geological engineering work in governmental agencies on transportation projects, monitoring of natural resources, and environmental protection. They are also employed with aerospace, mining, geotechnical, environmental, ground water and construction companies.

The Geological Engineering program for the baccalaureate degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org .

The geological engineering Program Educational Objectives (PEO's) are what our graduates should achieve within 3 - 5 years after graduation.

• PEO 1. Graduates will effectively apply design principles in a variety of design situations;
• PEO 2. Graduates will demonstrate a solid and broad foundation in fundamental principles, both theoretical and practical, of mathematics, science, and engineering;
• PEO 3. Graduates will be aware of the larger contexts of the application of their engineering, including global, environmental, societal, and legal concerns and will be able to effectively communicate these concepts; and
• PEO 4. Graduates will be able to visualize problems in three-dimensional space, demonstrate proficiency in geomechanics, and apply geologic principles to solve problems related to the human interface with earth.

Seniors are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (formerly Engineers-in-Training) examination. Students are required to meet with their advisors for program approval in order to have a registration hold removed enabling registering for the next semester and for review of academic progress at least once each semester.