Why choose a degree in Mining Engineering from Mackay School of Mines?

• Because our Mining Engineering is an accredited program that offers you practical training that includes areas of mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering as well as the geological sciences.
• Because the resulting degree is widely applicable to a variety of professional careers, graduates from our mining engineering program are highly sought after by employers in a variety of industry settings both in the U.S. and abroad.

Here are more reasons to major in Mining Engineering:

• MONEY! According to the National Society of Professional Engineers, the starting salary of Mining Engineers ranges between $41,000 and $61,000 (depending on experience and location). One of our recent graduates’ beginning salary is $47,000 - higher than computer engineers and civil engineers.

• PRESTIGE! Our Mining Engineering program is nationally and internationally renowned. Our alumni manage mines, quarries and industrial corporations, direct massive construction projects, develop high-tech hazardous waste management systems, design state-of-the-art environmental remediation systems, invent new methods for ore extraction, and dozens of other exciting jobs at the forefront of technology. Nevada knows mining! Gold mining is the second largest industry in Nevada and Nevada is the third largest gold producer in the world.

• HIGH TECH, TOO! As a student, you can work in one of our state-of-the-art labs such as the Underground Mine Ventilation Lab, one of the best in the world. Students also work in our Mine Automation and Robotics Lab for the study of computerized and remote or automatic controlled equipment operations.

• MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD! Mining engineers plan, design, operate, and manage the mines and quarries that provide the essential materials needed for a modern society. Mackay’s new Mining Life Cycle Center is committed to environmental programs such as reclamation, wildlife habitat protection, and sustainable development.

• The new "quarry" option to work in aggregate quarries and construction sites. A significant number of our recent graduates have gone to work in metropolitan areas in California, to supply local development projects – California is the largest aggregate producer in the nation!

• SCHOLARSHIPS! Abundant scholarship opportunities are available for Mackay majors. You could be eligible for up to $5,000 a year in Mackay scholarships, in addition to general University scholarships. Mining Engineering students are also eligible to compete in several national competitions for further scholarship money.

• JOBS! Paid summer internships, jobs, and study abroad opportunities (we have an exchange agreement with a university in Western Australia) are available to Mackay mining engineering students and job placement upon graduation is excellent. Our rigorous program enables students to be competitively prepared for either employment or graduate school.

• FUN! The John Mackay Club’s Student Mining Team has placed first in the International Intercollegiate Mining Competition three times during the last four years and is open to all undergraduates, male and female, offering the opportunity for travel and competition with other schools. Field trips are part of many courses. The Arentz Student Center offers Pizza get-togethers and a place to study.

• PERSONAL ATTENTION! Our low student-to-faculty ratio allows you to get to know your professors and other staff who will be available to help you; we want to make your Mackay years the best possible educational experience you could have. The Dean of Mackay School of Mines even has an open pizza lunch every semester so students have a voice in the Mackay experience.

• BE A PART OF HISTORY! The Mining Engineering program, established in 1886, is part of Nevada’s history, carrying on the tradition of excellence begun by its namesake, John Mackay, one of the developers of the fabulous Comstock Lode silver deposit in Virginia City, Nevada.