Geological Engineering BS Degree | College of Engineering

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 (The Princeton Review)
No. 3

Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
No. 9
for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

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 ‘23,

BS Geological Engineering

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.

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is 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+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project.

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus.

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

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and beyond. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

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