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geological engineering students looking at rock samples
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Geological Engineering Degree

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
  • Requirements
  • Costs & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why earn a geological engineering degree?

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

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


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. Geological engineering is a hybrid field. It involves applying geology to engineering problems and engineering to geological problems. The field is broad and diverse, and geological engineers work with engineers and scientists of many sorts. Geological engineers are focused on the safe production and use of natural resources, on building and construction projects of many sorts, and on protecting people, property, and the environment from harm caused by human or natural forces.

Geological Engineering Program Specializations

Besides a comprehensive and high-quality program, we offer four unique opportunities for undergraduate geological engineering students who choose to specialize:

  • A petroleum concentration includes coursework designed to prepare students for employment in the petroleum industry while they complete their B.S. in Geological Engineering.
  • A  geotechnical concentration  prepares students for a career in Goetechnical Engineering after they complete their B.S.
  • A water resources concentration provides a strong background in hydrogeology, water resource production, groundwater contamination and remediation, and water quality and lab analyses. 
  • A combined program allows students to earn a master's degree in addition to a B.S.
ABET EAC Logo

ABET Accredited Program

This undergraduate program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Accreditation is a critical factor to consider if you plan to pursue a license as a Professional Engineer.

On-Campus or Online Geological Engineering Degree

  • 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?

97K

Median income for mining and geological engineers, 2021

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 Degree Courses

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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: 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

Online Geological Engineering Degree

9#

best online university in the nation

EDsmart

160+

online programs

UND is one of the most affordable online engineering colleges in the region. For this program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare the online Geological Engineering degree cost and you’ll see UND is lower tuition than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online Geological Engineering Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

SUMMER LAB REQUIREMENTS

Top-Tier Geological Engineering Degree Online

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on-campus student.

  • Same degree. All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes. You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction. You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor. As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring. We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching. Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access. Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support. UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.

Best Online Colleges

Reportedly high alumni salaries and job placement rates, coupled with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other non-profit universities in the upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Paysacle.com)

Leaders in Engineering

Helping you fulfill your aspirations is our highest priority. We'll work with you to design a custom educational plan that meets your goals.

 

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