Bachelor's Degree in Geological Engineering

Program at a glance

How much does it cost?

Learn more about how to afford a degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.

How long does it take?

This 125 credit program is designed to be completed in four years.

How do I apply?

Open to all undergraduate students. Learn how to apply to the University of Nevada, Reno.

What will I learn in a geological engineering degree program?

The Geological Engineering Program produces professionals uniquely skilled in geology and engineering to solve environmental challenges generated by rock, water, soil and snow.

Learning outcomes

Geological engineering combines aspects of environmental, civil and geotechnical engineering with the geological sciences to find solutions to societies most pressing and challenging questions.

Graduates of the bachelor's degree in geological engineering will be trained to:

identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
identify rocks and minerals and proficiency in geological science topics including the application of geologic field proficiency to engineering practice.

Accreditation information

Did you know...?

Geological engineering is a relatively rare degree with only 13 undergraduate programs nation-wide. This makes its graduates and their unique training extremely sought after. With your bachelor's degree in geological engineering, you graduate ready to enter the job market with a median annual salary of $91,160 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019).

As part of the Mackay School, geological engineering students receive regular internship and job search support from Mackay Student Services throughout the program and after graduation.

Learn more about Mackay Student Services

Learn more about the geological sciences and engineering department

Faculty in our department work closely with undergraduate students to provide hands-on experience in a wide range of work environments, helping you to graduate with a set of skills that are in high demand in Nevada and around the world.

Visit the geological sciences and engineering department website

What it means to earn a Mackay degree

This degree is awarded by the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering. Find out what Mackay's rich history, strong connection to industry and dedication to student internship and career support can do for you.

Learn more about the Mackay School

Careers with a degree in geological engineering

A student surrounded by boxes of rock and mineral samples

With your degree in geological engineering, you will have a choice of jobs in a range of industries. You can choose to work for engineering consulting firms or for civil, petroleum, transportation and/or mining companies around the country and the world.

Job duties of a geological engineer might include*:

Searching for and extracting natural energy resources such as geothermal energy
Designing and ensuring that mines are operated in safe and environmentally sound ways
Modeling and protecting groundwater and surface water resources
Managing and developing geologic hazard mitigation efforts
Providing solutions to problems related to land reclamation, water and air pollution, and sustainability

*Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Admissions information

Visit campus

You can afford the University of Nevada, Reno

76% of students receive financial aid

Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.

54% of all students graduate with no debt

That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.

Related programs

Geology, B.S.

Geophysics, B.S.

Hydrogeology, B.S.

Mining Engineering, B.S.

Life's a journey. Honors makes it meaningful.

At the University of Nevada, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.

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