Academic Departments

"Geography" spelled out in lights at night.

Department of Geography

Geography exists where the study of nature and society meet. Explore the effects of human ideas, systems and activities on the environment and how you can help solve the world’s pressing environmental and social problems. The Department of Geography offers the following 4 specializations for undergraduates: Climate water & Ecosystems, Environmental Policy & Management, Globalization, Politics & Place, and Geotechnologies.

Department of Geography
Student measuring strike and dip of a joint plain in granite rock.

Department of Geological Sciences & Engineering

There’s a whole world of discovery in the ground beneath your feet. From the shifting of tectonic plates to the eruption of volcanoes, learn about the Earth and all of the natural processes that have shaped it over time.

Department of Geological Sciences & Engineering
Four people on edge of mine.

Department of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering

Look around you – most of what you will see contains minerals and mined materials. Know that the industry you are learning about and the career you are working towards plays an essential role in the day-to-day life of most people on the planet.

Department of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering
 

Mackay Degree Programs

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  • Geography

    Geography is the examination of the complex relationships between humans and their environments and the spatial dimensions of our world’s most pressing challenges.

  • Geological Engineering

    The Geological Engineering program 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.

  • Geology

    Integrate many fields including biology, chemistry, geography, physics and math with modern technologies in the study of Earth’s history and natural processes that continue to shape it.

  • Geophysics

    Geophysics applies mathematical and physical principles to the study of the Earth and planets. The curriculum introduces the global properties of the Earth (gravity, magnetic field, crustal motions, interior dynamics) and the determination of near-surface and interior properties through the use of seismology, electromagnetics, potential fields, remote sensing, geodesy and GPS.

  • Hydrogeology

    Gain a sound foundation in physical, chemical, geological and quantitative sciences as a basis for understanding the hydrologic cycle and managing water resources.

  • Hydrologic Science

    The Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences (GPHS) has always been a true collaboration between the University of Nevada, Reno and the Desert Research Institute (DRI). The GPHS is one of the largest such programs in North America. Students can specialize in surface water hydraulics, watershed hydrology, water resources evaluations, water quality, geomorphology, and limnology.

  • Metallurgical Engineering

    The technology of Metallurgical Engineering involves converting natural mineral resources into useful products for society. Using engineering principles, metallurgists process ores to concentrate, extract and refine valuable components. They are also involved in the design, development and operational evaluation of metal components for structural and moving systems. Metallurgical engineers are trained in three areas: mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and physical metallurgy.

  • Mineral Resource Engineering

    Combine studies from the Department of Mining Engineering and Department of Geological Sciences & Engineering in this interdisciplinary Ph.D. program. Mineral Resource Engineering is an interdisciplinary field in which modern engineering meets earth science. The University's mineral resource engineering faculty have been at the forefront of numerous Nevada-based and worldwide engineering projects that require insight into the planet's natural features or the mineral resource extraction process.

  • Mining Engineering

    The Mining Engineering program includes courses in mine design, mining technology, computer applications to operations control and management, environmental concerns, industrial safety and health and mineral economics. The curriculum is arranged to provide students with a broad background for a career as a modern mining engineer. Graduates are prepared for industrial employment or further advanced study.

  • NevadaTeach

    Earn your dual degree in secondary education and one of many STEM majors, including Geography in the Mackay School. Graduating from NevadaTeach at the University of Nevada, Reno 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. Open the door to a world of career options while helping to improve education in Nevada.

    Learn more about NevadaTeach

 

Public Service Departments

In addition to its academic departments, the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering houses four public service departments.

Photo of geological formation, Stone Mother, at Pyramid Lake. Photo: Jack Hursh

Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology

As the state geological survey, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) primarily serves as a public resource for Nevada geologic information. Available at NBMG are geologic maps and publications regarding mineral resources, engineering geology, environmental geology and hydrogeology. Services provided include mineralogical analysis.

NBMG
Plane flying over wildfire spraying fire retardant.

Nevada Seismological Laboratory

A research and public service entity, the Nevada Seismological Lab oversees the study of Nevada's seismic activity. The Seismo Lab faculty are closely integrated with the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering. If you are interested in a career studying earthquakes, seismic hazard or the structure of the Earth, you can major in geophysics and get involved in the world-class research going on at the Seismo Lab, either as an undergraduate student or graduate student.

The Sesimo Lab also runs the ALERTWildfire and ALERTTahoe programs providing access to state-of-the-art Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) fire cameras and associated tools to help firefighters and first responders in the event of a wildfire.

Nevada Seismological Laboratory
Temperature map of Western United States including Nevada.

Nevada State Climate Office

The Nevada State Climate Office is the chief resource and research facility for the collection, maintenance and dissemination of climate and weather information for the State of Nevada. Services provided include online data services, educational outreach, media information services and professional advice. The office is also a source for student internships.

Nevada State Climate Office

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