Geological Engineering

Department Head:	Dr. Mary MacLaughlin
	(406) 496-4655
	MG 213B

Administrative Associate:	Donna Conrad
	(406) 496-4262
	MG 117

Department FAX:	(406) 496-4260

Geological engineers focus on designing solutions to problems related to the materials of the Earth’s crust, including minerals, sediments, rocks, water, and solid and fluid hydrocarbons (coal, oil, and natural gas). Their specialized engineering knowledge is required in the design and construction of civil works such as roads, dams, and foundations for buildings and bridges; the evaluation and utilization of groundwater resources and their interaction with surface waters; the search for, development, and extraction of rock, mineral and energy resources; and the protection and remediation of the environment. Geological Engineers are also routinely involved in the characterization and mitigation of geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, ground subsidence, and volcanic activity.

Geological Engineering, one of the three “founding” engineering programs of Montana Tech, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering, as well as a Master of Science degree in Geoscience with several areas of emphasis.

Geological Engineering Program Mission

Provide a quality education that blends theory with practice.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Geological Engineering Program Objectives

Enable graduates to embark upon and successfully pursue professional careers in the field of Geological Engineering.

Geological Engineering Program Outcomes

An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
An ability to communicate effectively.
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context.
A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
A knowledge of contemporary issues.
An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Demonstrated proficiency in the engineering sciences, including statics, properties/strengths of materials, and geomechanics.
Demonstrated proficiency in geological science topics that emphasize geological processes and identification of minerals and rocks.
Demonstrated ability to visualize and solve geological engineering problems in three and four-dimensions (space and time).
Demonstrated ability to apply the principles of geology, elements of geophysics, geological and engineering field methods, and engineering knowledge to design solutions to geological engineering problems.

To achieve its objective, the B.S. degree is founded upon a strong background in mathematics, physical and geological sciences, and engineering fundamentals; as well as economics and the humanities and social sciences - a background that will support changing career requirements and objectives and the pursuit of life long learning. During their sophomore through senior years, all students are introduced to four fundamental areas of Geological Engineering: Mining Geology, Hydrogeology, Geomechanics, and Engineering Geology. Students are then required to select an area of emphasis (option) for completion of their degree, or to design a program of electives that better serves their personal interests and objectives in concert with their faculty advisor.

The students of the geological engineering program receive their total design experience by taking courses systematically, as defined by the curriculum published in the catalog. Courses in the geological engineering curriculum are arranged so that students move gradually towards higher levels of calculations and design concepts that integrate a progressively broader spectrum of basic knowledge in engineering and geological science topics and related subjects. Although there is, of necessity,some interdigitation of course work, students in the program begin by taking basic mathematics, physics, and geological science courses, which lay the foundation for engineering topics and design, together with courses that develop their writing and computer skills. Students then take lower-division engineering topics courses, such as statics and mechanics of materials; advanced topics in mathematics and geological science; and supporting subjects such as engineering economics and technical communications.

Programs

Bachelor of Science