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Combined Geological Engineering Degree

B.S./M.S.

Get training to become a highly-qualified geological engineer capable of conducting research and solving complex geological challenges.

If you’re looking for the most efficient way to achieve a graduate-level education, choose a combined B.S. and M.S. program from UND. The Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering offers access to unique laboratory research and an extensive samples library.

Program type:
Combined (Major and Master's)
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-6 years
Credit hours:
155 (thesis option), 159 (non-thesis option)
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply
  • Why UND Online?

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Why pursue an accelerated geological engineering degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
March 1* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Sept. 1* | Dec. 15

*Priority deadline

Students seeking the combined degree may apply to the School of Graduate Studies after completing 60 credits.

Take the fast path to your master’s education with a combined degree program in geological engineering. Success in geological engineering relies on a broad-based education with exposure to many kinds of environments and applications. The UND geological engineering program has expertise in petroleum and geothermal energy, mineral production, geoenvironmental concerns and natural hazards.

This combined program is focused on giving you the real-world expertise to:

  • Solve practical problems in geological engineering with technical skills in geoscience, mathematics, computer modeling and poro-mechanics.
  • Conduct independent research to advance the field and offer innovative solutions to technical problems in areas such as exploration and production of energy and mineral resources, geomechanics, hydrogeology, ground water remediation and site investigation.
  • Be prepared for a career in industry, government or pave the way to a profession in teaching on your way to pursuing a doctoral degree.

How Accelerated Geological Engineering Degrees Work

If you are an incoming freshman or transfer student, apply to UND and your program. As a current student, connect with your advisor to make sure you stay on track for the combined or accelerated program. During your junior year, you can officially apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Complete the required courses, and you'll earn both your undergraduate and graduate degree at the same time.

 

Accelerated Geological Engineering Degree

  • Take advantage of an opportunity to extend your studies to include a graduate degree.

  • Learn from a curriculum that incorporates geology with elements of civil, environmental, mining and petroleum engineering.

  • Gain a broad background in physical and social sciences, humanities, communications, mathematics, geology and engineering.

  • Learn through real-world experience such as cooperative work studies, internships, field research and laboratory projects.

  • Gain access to a sample library with 80 miles of cores and approximately 40,000 boxes of drill cuttings of the Williston Basin, as well as an extensive collection of water well samples and cores.

What can I do with an accelerated geological engineering degree?

97K

Median salary range for a mining and geological engineer, 2021

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

2%

Job growth outlook in this field through 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Top companies like Marathon Oil, 3M, Boston Scientific, Dow Chemical, Schlumberger, Intel, Energizer Battery, US Steel and many others have hired UND graduates. Some typical career opportunities in geological engineering include:

  • Geologist petroleum engineer
  • Environmental engineer
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Mining engineer
  • Geotechnical engineer

A degree in Geological Engineering gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Geology
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Soil Science
  • Geologic Mapping
  • ArcGIS (GIS Software)

Geological Engineering alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • American Engineering Test, Inc.
  • Barr Engineering Co.
  • Center for Energy and Environment
  • Alaska Department of Fish and Game
  • Archaeological Research, Inc.
  • BJ Services Company

Accelerated Geological Engineering Courses

GEOE 555. Advanced Rock Mechanics. 3 Credits.

Fundamentals of rock mechanics, elasticity theory of rock, failure criterion of rocks, laboratory and field testing methods, field instrumentation, the applications of rock mechanics in mining, tunneling and rock slopes engineering, and the applications of numerical methods in rock mechanics. Prerequisites: GEOE 323 and ENGR 203. F.

GEOE 591. Advanced Hydrocarbon Extraction in Engineering. 3 Credits.

This course describes technologies that can be applied to further recover underground energy resource - oil/gas, for example, that cannot be produced by primary or second extraction. Development of these processes requires significant technological advances in our understanding of underground mining from hydrocarbon reservoirs and may be the stimulus for future technological development. Prerequisites: GEOE 301, MATH 166, MATH 266, CHEM 122, and CHEM 122L. F.

GEOL 414. Applied Geophysics. 3 Credits.

Principles of various geophysical methods and their application to geologic problems. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203; MATH 165; and PHYS 211 or 251. F.

CE 421. Hydrology. 3 Credits.

Course topics include measurement, interpretation, analysis and application of hydrologic data; precipitation, evaporation and transpiration; runoff hydrographs; routing methods; groundwater; and snow hydrology. Computer applications. Prerequisite: CE 306. F.

GEOL 321. Geochemistry. 3 Credits.

Application of the principles of chemistry to geologic and hydrogeologic problems. Origin and distribution of the chemical elements. Introduction to radiochemistry, isotopic geochronology, and stable-isotope geochemistry. Prerequisites: GEOL 318 or GEOE 301; CHEM 122; MATH 165; or consent of instructor. S.

GEOE 323. Engineering Geology. 2 Credits.

This course is to introduce the application of geological, hydrological and environmental principles to geotechnical/geological engineering design, construction and operation as well as various geohazards. Prerequisites: One introductory geology course and MATH 165. S.

Leaders in Engineering

Through research and hands-on experience, UND students are learning to make an impact and change the world.

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Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional opportunities.

  • College of Engineering & Mines
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