Geology and Geological Engineering
Graduate program at Colorado School of Mines
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Select a program type below to learn more. What’s the difference? Read more about program types.
Geological Engineering Master’s Non-Thesis
The Master of Engineering (non-thesis) Program in Geological Engineering may be completed by individuals already holding undergraduate or advanced degrees or as a combined undergraduate/graduate degree program by individuals already matriculated as undergraduate students at Colorado School of Mines.
The program requires a minimum of 30 credits – 24 hours of coursework and 6 hours of independent study (non-thesis project). The Master of Engineering (Non-Thesis) Program in Geological Engineering has the same Core Competency requirements as the Geological Engineering Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation (2 letters)
- Letters are not required for current Mines students
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Geology Master’s Thesis
The Master of Science (Geology) program will require 36 credits of course and research credits. Twelve of the 36 credits must be research credits. All master of science (Geology) candidates must also complete an appropriate thesis based upon original research they have conducted. A thesis proposal and course of study must be approved by the student’s thesis advisory committee before the candidate begins substantial work on the thesis research.
No specific prerequisites are required for admission to the Geology degree program. However, completing the Core Competency classes is highly recommended before applying to the graduate program. Generally speaking, if not completed through previous bachelor’s level coursework, the Core Competency requirements should be completed during the Master of Science (Geology) program. Specific Core Competency requirements may be waived by the student’s thesis committee.
Geological Engineering Master’s Thesis
The Master of Science (Geological Engineering) program requires 36 credits of course and research credits. 12 of the 36 credits must be research credits, and 24 of the credits must be earned through the completion of coursework. All Master of Science (Geological Engineering) candidates must also complete an appropriate thesis, based upon original research they have conducted. A thesis proposal and course of study must be approved by the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee before the candidate begins substantial work on the thesis research.
The candidate for the degree of Master of Science (Geological Engineering) must have completed the Core Competency classes or equivalent subjects prior to graduation. These may be satisfied through previous bachelor’s level coursework or during the graduate program.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation (3 letters).
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Geology Doctorate
The Doctor of Philosophy (Geology) academic program requires a minimum of 72 hours of course and research credits. At least 24 of the hours must be research credits and at least 36 must be course credits. Students who enter the PhD program with a thesis-based master’s degree may transfer up to 36 credits in recognition of the coursework and research completed for that degree (up to 24 of these credits can come from previous graduate-level coursework). The specific courses and total number of hours that may transfer are at the discretion of the student’s doctoral thesis advisory committee. All PhD (Geology) students must pass a comprehensive examination, which is expected to be conducted immediately following the semester in which the required 36 course credits have been completed, and no later than by the end of the second year of their program.
No specific prerequisites are required for admission to the Geology degree program. However, completing the Core Competency classes is highly recommended before applying to the graduate program. Generally speaking, if not completed through previous bachelor’s level coursework, the Core Competency requirements should be completed during the Doctor of Philosophy (Geology) program. Specific Core Competency requirements may be waived by the student’s thesis committee.
Geological Engineering Doctorate
The Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Engineering) academic program requires a minimum of 72 hours of course and research credits. At least 24 of the hours must be research credits, and at least 24 of the hours must be earned through completion of coursework. Students who enter the PhD program with a thesis-based master’s degree may transfer up to 36 credits in recognition of the coursework and research completed for that degree (up to 24 of these credits can come from previous graduate-level coursework). The specific courses and total number of hours that may transfer are at the discretion of the student’s doctoral thesis advisory committee. All Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Engineering) students must pass a comprehensive examination by the end of the second year of their program. This timing may be adjusted for part-time students.
The candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Geological Engineering) must have completed the Core Competency classes or equivalent subjects prior to graduation. These may be satisfied through previous bachelor’s level coursework or during the graduate program.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation (3 letters).
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Geology and Geological Engineering Professional Master’s Degree
Professional Master’s Degree in Mineral Exploration
The non-thesis Professional Master’s Degree in Mineral Exploration requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. A minimum of 15 credit hours must be accumulated in five of the following core areas: mineral deposits, mineral exploration, applied geophysics, applied geochemistry, applied structural geology, petrology, field geology, and economic evaluation. An additional 15 credit hours may be selected from the course offerings of the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering and allied departments including Mining Engineering, Economics and Business, Geophysics, Chemistry and Geochemistry, Metallurgy and Materials Science, and Environmental Sciences. Selection of courses will be undertaken in consultation with the academic advisor.
A maximum of 9 credit hours may be independent study focusing on a topic relevant to the mineral exploration and mining industries. Independent study credits can also be awarded in recognition of internship projects.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation (2 letters).
- Letters are not required for current Mines students.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Geology and Geological Engineering Certificates
Graduate Certificate in Economic Geology
We offer two graduate certificates and a professional master’s degree (non-thesis). The courses taken for certificate degrees can be used toward the professional master’s degree.
The Graduate Certificate Programs in Economic Geology and Exploration Methods may be completed by individuals already holding an undergraduate or advanced degree in geology or a related field, and who have at least two to three years of professional experience.
Students working toward a Graduate Certificate of Economic Geology are required to complete at least 12 credits – 6 core course credits and 6 elective credits.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Suggested if GPA is less than 3.0/4.0
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Geology and Geological Engineering Certificates
Graduate Certificate in Exploration Methods
We offer two graduate certificates and a professional master’s degree (non-thesis). The courses taken for certificate degrees can be used toward the professional master’s degree.
The Graduate Certificate Programs in Economic Geology and Exploration Methods may be completed by individuals already holding an undergraduate or advanced degree in geology or a related field, and who have at least two to three years of professional experience.
Students working toward a Graduate Certificate of Exploration Methods are required to complete at least 12 credits – 6 core course credits and 6 elective credits.
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose
- Suggested if GPA is less than 3.0/4.0
- Transcripts
- International students please review the English proficiency requirements
Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Problem solver. Explorer with an attention to detail. Effective communicator. Someone who isn’t afraid to dig deeper. Sound like you? Pursue a graduate degree in Geology and Geological Engineering at Mines and take that next step in your career to become a leading expert in studying and safely managing the Earth and its resources. The Mines Department of Geology and Geological Engineering is one of the premier applied geoscience programs in the world. With an interactive learning environment rooted in exceptional research relevant to current societal issues, your opportunities are limitless.
A Top Tier University

6% Job growth expected 2018-2028
#8 in Geology, U.S. News and World Report
Top-ranked university for best return on investment
Credits and Deadlines
View the academic catalog to see the courses and credit requirements for this program.
Master's Thesis & Doctorate (PhD) Program Deadlines
Select a Term:
Spring Deadlines | Fall Deadlines
Spring Deadlines
Fall Deadlines
Degree Program | Priority | International* | Domestic* | Online |
---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Energy Systems | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Applied Chemistry | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Applied Mathematics & Statistics | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Applied Physics | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
Chemical Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
Chemistry | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Civil & Environmental Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Computer Science | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Earth Resources Development Engineering | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Electrical Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Engineering & Technology Management | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Environmental Engineering Science | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Geochemistry | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Geological Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
Geology | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
Geophysical Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
Geophysics | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
Humanitarian Engineering & Science | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Hydrology | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Materials Science | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Mechanical Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Mineral & Energy Economics | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Mining Engineering | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Nuclear Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Operations Research with Engineering | January 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Petroleum Engineering | March 1 | March 1 | ||
Physics | December 15 | March 1 | March 1 | |
Quantitative Biosciences & Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Quantum Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Robotics | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 | |
Space Resources | March 1 (International on-campus) | July 1 (Domestic on-campus) | August 1 | |
Underground Construction & Tunnel Engineering | December 15 | March 1 | July 1 |
Residential (on-campus) Master's Non-Thesis & Graduate Certificates Deadlines
Spring Deadlines | Fall Deadlines | |
---|---|---|
International Students* | October 1 | March 1 |
Domestic U.S. Students | December 15 | August 1 |
International students are not eligible to apply for residential certificate programs. We encourage you to check out our online certificate options |
Online Master's Non-Thesis & Graduate Certificates Deadlines
The following deadlines apply to online master's non-thesis and graduate certificate programs for domestic U.S. and International students. | |
Spring I & II (January 6 start) | January 2 |
Spring III*** (March 10 start) | February 17 |
Fall I & II (August 19 start) | August 1 |
Fall III*** (March 10 start) | October 1 |
**The Fall III deadline is only available for the following programs: Additive Manufacturing; Business Analytics; Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage; Chemical Engineering Processes in Energy Transitions; Data Science: Computer Science; Data Science: Earth Resources; Electrical Engineering (Professional Master and Certificate Only); Engineering and Technology Management; GIS & Geoinformatics; Mechanical Engineering; Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering | |
***The Spring III deadline is only available for the following programs: Additive Manufacturing; Business Analytics; Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage; Electrical Engineering (Professional Master and Certificate Only); Engineering and Technology Management; GIS & Geoinformatics; Mechanical Engineering; Product Management (Offered for only session III in spring); Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering |
Get Connected
You don’t have to decide right now, but let’s get you connected so we can stay in touch and keep you up-to-date. Fill out the quick information form below to get started.
Department Head

Alexis Navarre-Sitchler
Professor, Department Head and Ben Fryrear Endowed Chair for Innovation and Excellence, Geology and Geological Engineering
- Join Faculty Appointee, Energy and Natural Resources Security Group
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Aqueous Geochemistry
You Are Ready
Contact Us
(303) 273-3247
grad-admissions@mines.edu
Career Connections
At Mines, your career goals are the focus. You will connect with world-class faculty and industry experts in your field, all while enhancing your knowledge through hands-on learning and research.
Geology and Geological Engineering careers
- Geotechnical engineer
- Mine engineer
- Geological engineer
- Geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Geophysicist
Where to find our alumni
- Apache
- bp
- BPX
- Chevron
- EOG
- ExxonMobil
- Hess
- INPEX
- Oxy
- Schlumberger
- Shell
- Sinopec
- SMS
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Utrecht University
- Whiting
- XTO Energy
… and numerous other places around the world!
Career Resources
- Job solicitations from industry partners are consistently emailed to GGE and shared with students on a daily basis.
- Opportunities for careers and internships are physically posted in Berthoud Hall on job bulletin boards.
- Career Services
Engineer Your Future Today
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Get to Know Mines
From tours and events to meet-ups in your area