Geoscience, Geological Engineering Option, M.S.

Option in Geological Engineering

A Master of Science in Geoscience with an “Option in Geological Engineering” requires that the student have an engineering background and allows specialization in several areas of Geological Engineering. Students in related non-engineering fields who have a strong background in mathematics and physics may be admitted to the option on a provisional basis. At a minimum, such students must successfully complete undergraduate-level engineering course work in statics and mechanics of materials.

The department has excellent facilities and equipment for field investigations, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling. In recent years, student research has focused on slope stability analysis and design, support of underground mine openings, and engineering characterization of geological materials.

Examinations:
The final examination for thesis and publishable paper-option students will consist of an oral presentation and defense of the thesis. Questions may be asked on any topic related to the thesis/paper or course work taken as part of the graduate program. The presentation will be open to all interested parties, but the defense will be open only to the student’s graduate committee.

The final examination for non-thesis option students will  consist of a written and/or oral examination formulated by the student’s graduate committee. The oral examination will draw questions from the written examination plus any course work undertaken as part of the graduate program.

Other:
Any student who is not already certified as an Engineer-In-Training will be required to take the national Fundamentals of Engineering examination.

Students who select the non-thesis option are required to take GEOE 590W - Graduate Research or Design Project  or Design Project as part of their course work.