Emphasis areas at the bachelor of science level in environmental protection and hazardous waste management, groundwater hydrology and contaminant transport, engineering geology and geotechnics, petroleum, energy and natural resources, and quarry engineering.
Geological engineers apply their skills in geology and engineering to projects that protect and preserve the earth and the environment in which we live. Do you like working outdoors? Do you enjoy solving problems using your skills and creativity? Do you like helping people and the environment? Then you may be a good candidate for geological engineering!
Geological engineers work on a variety of projects that involve the earth and its resources. For example, a geological engineer may work on protecting infrastructure like bridges, buildings and utilities from earthquake or landslide damage, designing tunnels through soil and rock, and evaluating natural hazards from slope failure, flooding, failure of dams or levees, and sea level rise. Geological engineers may also be involved in the design of a project to protect wetlands, clean up contaminated soil and groundwater, or develop and maintain safe drinking water supplies. Geological engineers use a wide variety of tools, including soil and rock samples, near-surface geophysics, and remote sensing methods such as unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites, to assess natural hazards and protect the environment. Geological engineers also help develop renewable energy resources – even in space – to conserve traditional sources of energy. Geological engineers work with the environment to improve conditions for everyone and the world around us.
The curriculum for geological engineers includes familiar engineering subjects like math, chemistry, physics, and mechanics. In addition, geological engineers learn about the earth, how its soils, rocks and fluids interact with life, and how to engage natural processes sustainably. Our courses often include field work. When they are seniors, geological engineering students bring all their knowledge together to design real-world solutions that help people and society.
Because responsible use of the Earth's resources is an ever-growing task, geological engineers are needed more and more in a wide variety of areas, including industry, government, and research. Scholarships are available, as well as a wide range of experiential learning opportunities such as summer internships, cooperative work projects, student design teams, and international experiences. Especially in challenging times, many paths to rewarding permanent employment start with a Missouri S&T geological engineering BS degree.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the geological engineering program to teach integrated concepts of geology and engineering in such a manner that graduates will become competent, ethical, professional geological engineers. The program is designed to provide background in geological and engineering sciences in lower-level courses, which then support the applied analysis and design concepts taught in the upper levels. Students are expected to gain the ability to identify problems resulting from the interaction of human activities with the geologic environment, and solve them through thorough analysis and competent design. The curriculum blends theoretical concepts with practical application and experiential learning. It combines discussion and project-oriented work with real-world issues to help the student understand and fulfill the engineers' responsibilities to client and society.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates will serve public and private interests as future professional geological engineers practicing in the State of Missouri, the nation, and international situations; they will ultimately achieve the status of licensed engineers.

