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Mining engineering is perhaps the broadest of engineering disciplines, and our graduates are versatile problem solvers.
As a first-year student, you’ll start with foundational courses such as calculus, English, chemistry, geology, introductory mining and physics.
As you move through the program, your courses will focus on specific mining topics, covering all aspects of mining engineering: mine planning, design, operation, mine automation and robotics and mine closure. These courses include fundamentals engineering topics such as thermodynamics, circuits, hydraulics and materials. You’ll also study topics such as industrial health and safety, mineral economics and environmentally sustainable mining.
Students majoring in mining engineering learn to:
After four years of hands-on experiences, including frequent field trips to mines and a number of laboratory-based classes, the bachelor’s degree in mining engineering ends with a capstone course: the complete design of a mine from start to finish, including financial, social, and environmental concerns. Students present their design to a panel of engineers and managers from the mining industry.
Students minoring in mining engineering take courses in mine design, technology, computer applications, environmental concerns, industrial safety and health, and mineral economics.
This option is patterned on the traditional broad-based mining engineering program that prepares students for a wide variety of areas in the mining industry, from mine design to operations to closure.
Intelligent mining systems focuses on the application of artificial intelligence, virtual reality and automation in the mining industry.
Students specializing in process metallurgy focus on the processing of minerals into salable commodities such as metals or chemical compounds.
The quarry specialization focuses on the issues specific to the construction sggregates and auarry sectors of the mining industry.
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
A career as a mining engineer generally involves developing ways to safely and efficiently remove mineral and metal resources from the earth. Some mining engineers may focus on a particular kind of mining, such as coal or gold. Other mining engineers may focus on refining processing techniques, while others may specialize in mine safety. Your state may require you to be licensed.
The mining industry in Nevada employs a large number of workers, and is a significant contributor to the state’s economy. The bachelor’s degree program in mining engineering at the University is one of only about 13 nationwide, so the University’s mining graduates are well positioned in terms of both education and workforce exposure to find employment after graduation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4 percent growth for mining engineers from 2020-2030. Mining engineers are well-compensated for their work, with median annual pay in 2021 of $97,090, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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.
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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