geological engineering students looking at rock samples

Geological Engineering Major

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Worldwide travel, advanced laboratories, hands-on equipment and small class sizes. Not exactly a rocky road.

UND geological engineering students receive top-notch instruction in small classes. We're also proud to offer the only online geological engineering degree in the nation!

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
128

Why earn a geological engineering degree?

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

Geological engineering is a hybrid field. It applies geology to engineering problems and engineering to geological problems. The field is broad and diverse. Geological engineers work with engineers and scientists of many sorts. But, overall, all geological engineers are focused on the safe use of natural resources and protecting people and property from harm caused by geological forces.

There are many opportunities to work with faculty on research projects. Many of our students gain internships that provide them a leg up when they enter the job market. Students have studied landslides, worked on enhanced oil recovery, and helped investigate and clean up polluted waters and land. Students may travel; some have worked in Peru, India, England, Canada, Antarctica and many locations in the United States.

Besides a comprehensive and high-quality program, we offer three unique opportunities for undergraduate geological engineering students:

  • A petroleum option includes coursework designed to prepare students for employment in the petroleum industry while they complete their B.S. in Geological Engineering.
  • A  geotechnical concentration that prepares students for a career in Goetechnical Engineering after they complete their B.S. 
  • A combined program allows students to earn a master's degree in addition to a B.S.

Geological Engineering Online or On-Campus

  • Satisfy the eligibility requirement to sit for the NCEES PE examination. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, this program meets the education requirements to pursue a license as a Professional Engineer in all 50 states.

  • Gain access to the Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library, a vast resource containing 40,000 cores from nearly every oil well drilled in North Dakota.

  • The F.D. Holland Jr. Geology Library is one of the largest geoscience libraries in the upper Midwest.

  • Generous scholarship support available and excellent instructors with a wide range of backgrounds.

  • Smallest class sizes of any engineering discipline at UND.

  • This flexible online degree allows students to continue to work and keep up with personal obligations.

What can I do with a geological engineering degree?

93K

Median income for mining and geological engineers, 2020

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of UND's geological engineering program play critical roles in many industries, including mining, energy exploration, education and more. Geological engineers are in demand in careers such as:

  • Environmental engineering
  • Geological engineering
  • Petroleum geologist
  • Hydrogeology
  • Remote sensing/GIS
  • Mining
  • Mapping and surveying
  • Teaching

Geological Engineering Major Skills

A Geological Engineering degree 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

Geological Engineering Courses You Could Take

GEOL 330. Structural Geology. 3 Credits.

Mechanics of rock deformation, analysis of rock structures, preparation and interpretation of geologic maps and cross sections showing structural and tectonic features. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: GEOL 320 or GEOE 301 and PHYS 211 or PHYS 251. S.

ENGR 460. Engineering Economy. 3 Credits.

Simple evaluation of the economic merits of alternative solutions to engineering problems. Evaluations emphasize the time value of money. Prerequisite: CEM major or permission of instructor. F,S,SS.

GEOE 484. Geological Engineering Design. 3 Credits.

The first of a two-course sequence in geological engineering design. Define the design problem, establish design objectives, evaluate alternatives, specify constraints, determine a methodology, complete a formal design problem statement. Prerequisites: Advanced level standing in Geological Engineering and consent of advisor. F.

GEOE 301. Petrophysics. 3 Credits.

Mineral and rock formation, identification and petrophysical properties, particularly with respect to porous rocks and their interactions with fluids. Prerequisite: GEOE 203. Corequisite: GEOE 301L. S, odd years.

GEOE 425. Design Hydrology for Wetlands. 3 Credits.

Principles of chemistry, geology, hydraulics, and hydrology applied to natural and constructed wetlands and other small catchments. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 and either CE 306/ME 306 or GEOE 417. S.

Code GEOE 202 not found (or empty).

UND Geological Engineering BS

Best Online Engineering College

UND is regarded as one of the top academic and research institutions in the nation for engineering. Our geological engineering program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

RANKED #1 BEST ONLINE ENGINEERING DEGREE

15 Best Affordable Online Engineering Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2020
Top 25 Best Value Online Engineering Bachelor’s for 2020
15 Best Online Engineering Degrees 2020
Top 10 Affordable Online Engineering Degree Programs 2021

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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