The explosives engineering program in the department of mining & explosives engineering offers the master of science (M.S.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees and a minor and certificate in explosives engineering for students with bachelor's degrees in engineering, science or technology. It also offers an explosives technology certificate and master of science (MS) for those with other bachelor's degrees. Due to the age profile of the explosives industry and attrition of personnel, as well as the rapid change in technology within this field, there is an immediate and growing need for highly trained explosives professionals in both the civilian explosive, mining and civil excavating fields and government and the defense industry. Employers are looking for engineers and scientists with sophisticated skills in the integration of explosives technology into complex systems in a wide range of applications. Employers are also seeking M.S. and Ph.D. graduates because they can move quickly into managerial positions.
Faculty involved in a variety of explosives related research programs teach and direct the program in conjunction with instruction by industry specialists in a wide range of applications. Students will have opportunities to assist the faculty, both in research and teaching, as well as working alongside faculty and graduate students in other engineering and science fields such as civil, architectural, mechanical, chemical, aerospace, electrical, geological, and materials engineering and geology, geophysics, chemistry and physics. The explosives engineering faculty and students will be active in the leading professional societies such as the International Society for Explosives Engineers and those in a wide range of associated areas. A security background check is required for all students in the program.
