Geological engineering is application of principles of geology to the solution of a wide range of problems in engineering practice, such as assessing and mitigating geologic hazards (subsidence, landslides, flooding, etc.), evaluating and improving groundwater resources, sustainably developing mineral and energy resources, selecting appropriate sites for civil and military infrastructure, and analyzing land use and environmental impacts. The graduate programs available in this multiple-industry field include:
- Graduate Certificates
- Master of Science / Master of Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy / Doctor of Engineering
Most can be completed wholly or partially through online work. Details of these programs and their requirements are available at the departmental website and in associated sections of this catalog. GRE scores are not required. Other campus-wide rules for graduate degrees are repeated here only if modified; check the graduate studies section of this catalog for the latest updates. The catalog version in force during the semester of initial enrollment is the baseline for evaluation of graduation readiness.
Geological engineering faculty conduct research in cooperation with other MS&T departments and research centers, University of Missouri campuses, state and federal agencies, and other universities and research entities worldwide. Our laboratories and research sites are located in Missouri S&T's McNutt Hall, Rock Mechanics facility, Audubon Nature Center, and Experimental Mine, as well as the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Bohigian Conservation Area and field sites both domestic and international. Some recent research projects include:
- Designing rock and soil excavating tools for use on Earth and in space.
- Measuring the permeability of soils using satellites, drones and ground-based geophysics.
- Evaluating earthquake hazards along the New Madrid fault.
- Using satellite data to investigate aquifer depletion and land subsidence.
- Studying blasting efficiency for enhancing productivity in the mining industry.
- Predicting water pollution based on geologic and land use factors.
- Developing a rock fall hazard rating system for Missouri highways.
- Assessing the effect of water saturation on rock fragmentation.
- Using LiDAR to research the rock raveling process on natural and engineered slopes.
- Developing a virtual geotechnical database for the greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
- Identifying areas suitable for managed aquifer recharge in the U.S. and Iraq.
- Detection of underground mines and caverns using geophysical methods.
- Using drone data to find the locations to drill wells in fractured rock.
- Modifying mining methods for use in space.
- Designing controlled methods to reduce the size of asteroids on collision courses with Earth.
- Developing sustainable point-of-use drinking water systems in developing areas.
- Using renewable energy systems to power groundwater pumping and remediation systems.
- Characterizing the reliability of renewable energy system prediction models.