Geology and Geological Engineering

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

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

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

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

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

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