Overview

The Geological Engineering program offered by South Dakota School of Mines & Technology bridges the gap between the science of geology and multiple engineering disciplines including mining, civil, petroleum and environmental engineering. As such, the curriculum that students complete as part of the degree is very diverse, with courses covering topics in geology, the engineering disciplines stated above, and engineering topics unique to geological engineering.

Geological Engineering Program Educational Objectives

The program educational objectives describe what graduates of the geological engineering program are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. These objectives are based on the needs of the programs constituencies. Complete information on program objectives and outcomes is given at Geological Engineering Outcomes and Assessment. 

Graduates of the geological engineering program will perform competently in professional practice in the areas of:

• groundwater

• environmental site planning and natural hazards

• geomechanics and geotechnics

• fuels or minerals

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to design and implement appropriate solutions to geological engineering problems, within economic constraints, while exercising ethical responsibilities and continued professional development and/or licensure.

In support of these objectives, the program in geological engineering provides students with:

• an understanding of the fundamental principles of geological engineering, basic engineering, engineering economics, and geology,

• academic training and design experiences to prepare them for engineering practice and career advancement in the geological engineering profession during their first several years of work, and

• an education that prepares them to pursue advanced studies if they so desire.

Professional Development

Students in geological engineering are encouraged to participate in the Tech Geological Association as well as to become student members of the Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG), National Ground Water Association, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), and/or the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Students are strongly encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination, as the first step in becoming a registered professional engineer.