Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences

Geological Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Humankind faces issues that are geologic, atmospheric, and environmental. The world needs professionals who can apply engineering to solve such complex problems.

Protect the Earth and its inhabitants. Adapt geologic features to society's needs. At Michigan Tech, you can learn to apply these methods in a safe and efficient manner. Many hazards pose threats to civil structures, infrastructure, and people. Such dangers may be man-made or natural, such as volcanoes, landslides, and earthquakes. Geological engineers use their training to identify and mitigate these hazards.

Their work includes performing site investigations for planned tunnels, dams, or roads. They may locate sites and design facilities for nuclear waste disposal. A geological engineer can help develop and restore groundwater resources. They can stabilize rock and soil slopes for dams, highways, and property development. They explore and harvest mineral and energy resources.

  • No. 13
    Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
  • No. 2
    Best Public School for Internships—and Ninth for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)
  • No. 3
    Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)

Tomorrow Needs Geoscientists in Diverse Landscapes

Investigate natural phenomena and collect data on location. Interpret results in a lab and write a report. These are some daily duties of geoscientists and geological engineers.

Field studies bring geoscientists to diverse landscapes around the globe. Your work can send you to volcanoes, oceans, and oil fields. Geoscientists must have the ability to develop a picture of a field site based on limited data. Sound critical-thinking skills are part of this discipline. Learn to adapt to a variety of situations and working conditions.

Specialty areas in geological engineering include the following:

  • Soil mechanics
  • Rock mechanics
  • Geotechnics
  • Groundwater engineering
  • Hydrogeology
  • Civil design
  • Hazard investigation and planning
  • Natural resources

Be Career-Ready

Discover a world of opportunity. Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering. It will prepare you for a career in industry or graduate study. Geological engineers often spend part of their working time outdoors and enjoying nature. They may travel the world.

Interested in oil exploration or a career in academia? Explore graduate education options. An advanced degree provides greater specialization.

Explore career opportunities for geological engineers.

  • Groundwater and surface water monitoring and cleaning
  • Natural-hazards mitigation
  • Satellite remote sensing of environmental processes
  • GIS mapping of environmental data
  • Site investigations of underground hazards
  • Slope failure investigations
  • Oil or gas exploration and recovery
  • Subsurface visualization
  • Natural and induced seismicity evaluation

$55,481 mean entry-level salary
Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

Engineering Salaries

Mission Statement

The Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering will provide students with a broad background in science and engineering, a thorough foundation in geology and sufficient depth and breadth in the areas of humanities, social science, and economics, to ensure that they can function and communicate in an effective and responsible way in meeting the needs of society. Students will receive a thorough background in applied geophysics, which will support advanced engineering courses. To maximize the benefits to society, students will receive a balanced curriculum of junior and senior level engineering courses in energy resources, mineral resources, groundwater engineering, and geomechanics.

My story: John Myaard, MTUengineer

Originally I was going to major in computer science, but after being exposed to some geology courses in high school and then experiencing a favorable tour of the GMES Department, I decided geological engineering would be a better fit.

John Myaard
John Myaard ‘23,
BS Geological Engineering

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying geological engineering at Michigan's flagship technological university.

 

Gustavo Bejar-Lopez in front of a volcano.

Gustavo Bejar-Lopez has been interested in volcanoes since he was a child. Now, the Michigan Technological University Ph.D. student is a budding volcanologist mentoring young geologists from his undergraduate alma mater.

More About Gustavo's Research

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

We are committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ faculty in the College of Engineering alone, we provide a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

As a student at Michigan Tech you’ll work closely with faculty mentors, immerse yourself in experience-powered learning, and gain a thorough understanding of engineering practice. Collaborate and innovate in laboratories, coursework, Enterprise, and Senior Design—you'll work with industry partners on real engineering projects and develop strong skill sets for your future.

You could study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to one full year. Or focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers you a range of options.

More than 400 employers regularly recruit our students for internships, co-ops, and full-time employment. Engineering students average seven interviews, and 98 percent are employed within their field of study, enlist in the military, or enroll in a graduate school within six months of graduation. A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere.

Tomorrow Needs You

Engineers do a lot of things, but there's one thing we do first and foremost: we help people. We use creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in health care, energy, transportation, hunger, space exploration, climate change, and more—much more. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

Student Stories

Be an MTUengineer

Join the LEAP leaders, wow the elementary students, and attend the AIPG National Conference.

Teach coding and circuitry. Research combustion and nanotechnology. Do a co-op with Kimberly-Clark. Show us how to slurry sand and complete miners training.

Tell us how important wetland mitigation is to you.

This is what we're all about.

Read Student Stories

A Professional Start

Geological engineering majors have great peers.

  • American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
  • MTU Society of Women Engineers
  • Geology Club
  • Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
  • Sigma Rho

Compete in Enterprise. Join with the historical society to help educate the public on geo issues.

Begin your networking journey here.

Join clubs and groups.

Beyond Engineering

Engineering majors cultivate their interests and talents at Michigan Tech. Join Superior Wind Symphony, follow military service, and be active in local politics.

Dive into Yucatan Culture.

Attend GeekU.P., become a lifeguard, and do a Canal Run. Be a musher. Set a Guinness World Record. Take part in Parade of Nations.

Let yourself shine.

Go Beyond

The GMES Department

  • We provide advanced technology for your hands-on learning.
  • Our locale is Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, with its geological riches, rocky Lake Superior shoreline, and acres of forestland.
  • We offer field studies to classic and novel sites in Michigan and beyond.
  • Travel with our faculty to do research locally or abroad.
  • Practice communication and community involvement through geophysics, social geology, and mitigation of natural hazards.
  • Learn from faculty who understand the value of our Earth.

Connected, innovative.

Build real skills at Michigan Tech. Become an engineer.

Gain diverse experience.

Engage in design and research.

Leap forward in your program.

Connect with students and industry.

"The Student Chapter at Michigan Tech stood out among the AIPG Student Chapters in the nation this past year, and are highly deserving of this distinction and honor"American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)