Geological Engineering Ph.D.

Go deep into the field and lead tomorrow's discoveries.

We know that the best researchers are specialists. Getting there, though, means incorporating diverse perspectives from related fields. No matter which track you focus on, graduates from our Ph.D. program in Geological Engineering are trained to contribute technologies for this century and beyond while never losing sight of the ethical, political and economic ramifications of their work.

Program type:: Doctoral Degree
Format:: On Campus
Est. time to complete:: 3-5 years
Credit hours:: 90

Why earn a Ph.D. in geological engineering?

Application Deadlines

Fall:: March 1* | Aug. 1
Spring:: Sept. 1* | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

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

Whether you're interested in energy and mineral resources, geomechanics, hydrogeology, ground water remediation, or site investigation/characterization, you'll dive deep into your chosen field. But you'll also gain broad knowledge in related areas.

The result: You'll have the technical prowess to offer significant solutions to 21st-century challenges while having the context to apply them. You'll work with faculty and researchers in multiple disciplines while at UND, experience that provides you for:

Advanced professional practice
Teaching
Careers in research
Creative activity in engineering or a related field

During your first two years at UND's Geological Engineering program, you'll complete two consecutive semesters in residence. Other degree requirements include passage of a written and oral exam, completion of oral progress reports detailing your research and completion and defense of a dissertation.

Geological Engineering Ph.D. at UND

Work side-by-side with faculty who have active research grants totaling more than $8 million from several government, industry and state sources.
Students have access to the Willard 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.
Benefit from extensive state and industry support bolstering UND facilities and faculty.
Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.
Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

Geological Engineering Ph.D. Careers

101k

Median annual salary for mining and geological engineers, 2023

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 for jobs such as these:

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

Geological Engineering Ph.D. Skills

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

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

UND Geological Engineering 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

Geological Engineering Ph.D. Courses

UND Geological Engineering

Gain the Insights to Lead

UND's Willard M. Laird Core and Sample Library has over 80 miles of core samples for research.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.