Geological Engineering

Department Head:	Dr. Larry Smith
	(406) 496-4859
	MG 213F

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, a minor in Hydrogeology , as well as a Master of Science degree in Geoscience with several areas of emphasis.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Geological Engineering program at Montana Tech is to provide a quality education that blends theory with practice and enables graduates to embark upon and successfully pursue careers in the field of Geological Engineering.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Geological Engineering Program Objectives

Enable graduates to embark upon and successfully pursue professional careers in the field of Geological Engineering.
Provide a firm foundation for graduate studies in geological engineering and related fields.

The program’s educational objectives are published in Montana Tech’s annual electronic catalog, and are available online to the public at www.mtech.edu

Consistency of the Program Education Objectives with the Mission of the Institution

When coupled to the geological engineering program’s mission statement, “Provide a quality education that blends theory with practice”, the consistency of the program’s educational objectives with the mission of Montana Tech becomes more obvious; particularly considering that the blending of theory with practice originated, historically, within the Montana School of Mines and its three heritage degree programs; mining engineering, metallurgical and materials engineering, and geological engineering. Most of the program’s graduates of the past two decades were, and remain, employed in professional positions related to the responsible development and use of natural resources; including, minerals and metals, oil and natural gas, and ground and surface waters

Student Outcomes

an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
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.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Non-Degree

Hydrogeology Minor