Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Option M.S.

Curriculum Worksheet (opens a new window) |

Geotechnical Option

Department Head:	Dr. Glenn Shaw
	(406) 496-4809
	MG 213E

A Master of Science in Geological Engineering requires that the admitted student have a degree in geological engineering or a related field. Math through differentail equations and a course in mechanics of materials are required, along with a set of classes that demostrate a breadth in the fundematals of engineering.

Gradaute students in the Geotechnical option will focus on the engineering characterization and behavior of soils.

Admission Requirements:

B.S. in Geological or Civil Engineering or related field.

Physical Geology, Mineralogy/Petrology, Field Geology.

Math through Differential Equations.

A course in mechanics of materials (statics is a pre-requisite)

Demonstrated breadth in fundementals of engineering (at least 3 of the following: fluid mecanics, dynamics, thremodynamics, engineering economics, surveying)

Option:

Thesis, Publishable Paper, or Non-Thesis

Seminar Requirements:

(2 credits)

Coursework Requirements:

(20 credits for thesis or publishable paper)

(31 credits for non-thesis)

*Students who have not previously taken courses in hydrogeology and/or structural geology will be required to take them at Montana Tech as part of their graduate program in Geological Engineering.

T.C. 5150 - Graduate Writing Seminar or equivalent; ENGR 5940 - Engineering Seminar (1)

GeoE 440 Engineering Geology (statics is a prerequisite)

GeoE 542 Slope Stability Analysis & Design

GeoE 548 Geotechnical Modeling

*If needed:

ECiv 486 Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering

ECiv 487 Soil Mechanics Lab

GeoE 420 Hydrogeology for Engineers

Electives (4 to 20 credits):

400 and 500 level GEOE courses or others approved by the student’s graduate committee. No more than half the minimum credits can be at the 400 level.

Thesis (8 credits)

Non Thesis project (3 credits)

GeoE 599W Thesis Research

Students who select non-thesis option are required to take GeoE 590W Graduate Research or Design Project (3 cr) as part of the coursework

Examinations:
The final examination for thesis and publishable paper-option students will consist of an oral presentation and defense of the thesis or publishable paper. 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.

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