Degree programs | Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering

What are you interested in studying?

B.S. or B.A.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Minor or Certificate

Climate Change (Minor)
Interested in learning more about climate change? When you complete the minor, you will develop expertise in climatology, climate data, and the societal institutions that are relevant to understanding how human society will be impacted by and could respond to climate variability and change. You will also gain competence in mathematics, statistics, and data analysis.
- Minor in Climate Change, Course Catalog
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Sciences (Certificate)
Interested in map-making, spatial analysis, visual design and data display? Do you want to learn how to address complex geographic problems facing society? If you’re planning to pursue graduate studies in Geography or would like to work for the public or private sector as a GIS/remote sensing analyst, cartographer or planner, this certificate is recommended for you.
- Geographic Information Systems and Sciences (GIS) Certificate, Course Catalog
Geography (B.A., B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Minor)
Are you interested in both the physical and social sciences? Do you want to solve the world’s most pressing issues: from climate change and biodiversity loss to immigration and global inequality? Geographers play a role in our day-to-day lives in ways you might not think of with careers in public policy, research and politics.
Geography Geotechnologies (Minor)
Are you interested in geographic information systems? The Geography Geotechnologies minor will provide you with the tools, methods and software necessary to manage and analyze spatial data, and courses can be applied towards becoming a certified GIS Professional (GISP) from the GIS Certification Institute.
- Minor in Geography Geotechnologies, Course Catalog
Geological Engineering (B.S., M.S.)
Combine your interests in engineering, the outdoors and cutting-edge technology as a geological engineering major. You will apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems in natural disaster mitigation, infrastructure development, and sustainable energy and resource extraction critical for a green future.
- Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering, Course Catalog
- Master of Science in Geological Engineering, Course Catalog
Geological Sciences (BS/MS Accelerated Program, Minor)
Interested in learning about the major earth systems and the geologic processes that create and shape them? Develop an in-depth understanding of earth surface processes, earth materials and geochemistry, structure and tectonics, rock forming processes and paleoecology. Skills in interpreting geological data are gained through work in the classroom, laboratory, computer simulations, and in the field. If you’re majoring in Geology, Geological Engineering, Hydrology or Geophysics, you have the opportunity to participate in the accelerated BS/MS program, which allows you to obtain an M.S. degree in Geology, Geological Engineering or Geophysics in a shorter timeframe.
- Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Accelerated Program in Geological Sciences, Course Catalog
- Minor in Geological Sciences, Course Catalog
Geology (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.)
There’s a whole world of discovery in the ground beneath your feet. From the shifting of tectonic plates to the eruption of volcanoes, geology majors learn about the Earth and all the natural processes that have shaped it over time.
Geophysics (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.)
Explore earth and sky and all the space in between as a geophysics major. Learn to apply physics, mathematics, geology, computer science and engineering concepts to explore the physical characteristics of Earth and other planets; from seismic activity to magnetic fields and more.
Hydrogeology (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.)
Water is essential to life. As a hydrogeology major, you will develop a strong quantitative foundation that will allow you to become an expert on water movement and interactions across Earth’s surface and in groundwater reservoirs. You will be able to apply this knowledge to monitor, manage and protect water resources, evaluate water-related industrial and utility projects, and monitor the impact of climate change on Earth’s water supply.
Hydrology (M.S., Ph.D.)
Already get your Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology or a related field? Consider pursuing graduate studies in our interdisciplinary hydrology program. The Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences (GPHS) offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in hydrology, as well as hydrogeology.
- Master of Science in Hydrology, Course Catalog
- Ph.D. in Hydrology, Course Catalog
Metallurgical Engineering (B.S., M.S., Minor)
Learn how to extract and transform critical minerals and metals into products that have the power to change our world. As a metallurgical engineering student, enjoy small class sizes and plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience.
Mineral Resource Engineering (Ph.D.)
This interdisciplinary program, offered by the Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering and the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, is perfect for those who enjoy thinking outside of the box and coming up with novel solutions to existing problems. As a Mineral Resource Engineering Ph.D. student, you will contribute to state-of-art knowledge in the earth sciences and engineering disciplines, while learning from great minds in the field.
- Ph.D. in Mineral Resource Engineering, Course Catalog
Mining Engineering (B.S., M.S., Minor)
From electric vehicles to the phone in your pocket to even the asphalt you drive on – none of it would exist without mining! Mining is essential to daily life and the engineers behind the mines are just as critical. As a mining engineering major, you’ll get hands-on experience, real-world internship opportunities and a range of job options when you graduate.
NevadaTeach (B.S.)
Graduating from NevadaTeach provides you with all of the coursework to pursue a teaching license at the middle or high school level while earning a comprehensive and marketable degree in your STEM discipline. NevadaTeach majors in the College of Science include Atmospheric Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Microbiology and Immunology and Physics.
Science (BS/MBA Accelerated Program)
The College of Science, in partnership with the College of Business, offers a five-year accelerated program to earn both B.S. and MBA degrees. This program is intended for high achieving and motivated high school seniors who have an interest in business along with science, mathematics, or engineering. Students admitted to the program as incoming freshmen will be given conditional admission to the MBA program.
- Bachelor of Science/Master of Business Administration Accelerated Program, Course Catalog

Glossary of academic terms

Questions?

2024-2025 College of Science Catalog

For information about the courses and requirements for specific degree and certificate programs, please visit the University's catalog.

Science Catalog Listings

Prospective Students

Would you like to learn more about the Mackay School or find out how you can launch your future in science? Contact Mackay's Recruitment Specialist Jennifer Reilly at jenniferreilly@unr.edu.

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Current Students

The College of Science has a dedicated team of academic advisors and faculty mentors to support students at every phase of their academic careers. If you have questions about courses and degree plans, please visit our Advising page.

Science Advising

Degrees and programs

Glossary of academic terms

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

M.S. (Master of Science)

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Minor

Questions?

2024-2025 College of Science Catalog

Prospective Students

Current Students