geological engineering students looking at rock samples

Geological Engineering

(B.S.)

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

Geological engineering is a hybrid field that involves application of geology to engineering problems and application of engineering to geological problems. The field is broad and diverse, and 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.

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

Why earn a bachelor's degree in geological engineering?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

UND geological engineering students receive top-notch instruction in small classes. There are many opportunities to work with faculty on research projects and many of our students gain internships that provide them a leg up when they enter the job market.

In the past, 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 two special opportunities for 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 combined program allows students to earn a master's degree in addition to a B.S.

Geological Engineering at UND

  • Earn your geological engineering degree from a university accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. 

  • 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.

  • Opportunities to get involved in real and meaningful research and excellent instructors with a wide range of backgrounds. 

Jobs in Geological Engineering 

91K

Median income for mining and geological engineers, 2019

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

6K

Number of geological engineering jobs in the U.S., 2019

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

When You Major in Geological Engineering

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)

UND Geological Engineering Major Alumni

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

Licensure Requirements

This program meets the educational requirements for licensure in all U.S. States.

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 318, GEOL 320 and MATH 105. 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).

geological engineering student in lab

Top 3 Online Engineering College

UND's geological engineering program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes. This flexible online degree allows students to focus on pursuing their areas of interest and building on their capabilities while they work or keep up with personal obligations.

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