Geological Engineering
College of Mines and Earth Sciences
Bennion
Center
Capstones
Program
Hinckley
Institute
Learning Abroad
Courses
Getting Started
- Meet with your academic advisor to create a first year course plan
- Take GEO 1100 and GEO 2500 in the fall
- Take an appropriate math course (check with your advisor)
Making Progress
- Take GEO 2100
- Continue allied science sequence (check with your advisor)
- Study in the Student Epicenter (FASB 104)
- Find professors on www.earth.utah.edu and book an appointment to discuss research
- Take a Gen Ed class that feels interesting (GEO 3030 is a great IR class!)
- Begin allied engineering courses in CVEEN, MG EN, and MET E
- Prepare for Fundamentals of Engineering exam (talk to your advisor)
Finishing Up
- Meet with your advisor to review your degree audit
- Prepare to take Field Methods and Field Geology as your capstone experience
- Apply for graduation during your final fall semester
Community
Getting Started
- Visit student involvement tables in the fall (find more information in the Student Epicenter - FASB 104)
- Check social media links and calendar of events
Making Progress
- Apply to be a student ambassador (ask your advisor for details)
- Volunteer to help with outreach workshops and building tours (visit the Student Epicenter for details)
- Find a student club or organization at getinvolved.utah.edu
- Experience an alternative fall or spring break through the Bennion Center
Finishing Up
- Join GeoClub and get involved with the annual Open House, the weekly Distinguished Lectures Series, or sit on the department outreach committee (email gg-info@lists.utah.edu)
Knowledge & Skills
Getting Started
- Meet with a Career Coach
- Interview or job shadow with someone in your field of interest. Connect with a Geological Engineering professor
Making Progress
- Attend the STEM Job Fair in the fall to find internships, see CPDC calendar
- Find a learning abroad experience
- Research professional licensure requirements for geological engineering
- Consider taking GEOG 3100 – Intro to GIS & Cartography
- Join a research team. Connect with your current professors or find research interests on the website
Finishing Up
- Share your research with the Office of Undergraduate Research
- Present your research at the annual department Open House (email gg-info@lists.utah.edu)
Transformation
Getting Started
- Use the catalog to explore a minor or certificate
- Visit with a Student Success Coach
- Explore Rio Tinto Kennecott and find a UofU alumni to interview
Making Progress
- Begin research for a senior thesis and work with a geological engineering professor
- Explore professional societies such as the Geological Society of America or American Geological Institute
- Explore the geology of Utah by visiting the Utah Geological Survey
- Visit one of Utah's national parks
Finishing Up
- Participate in graduation events across campus (look out for advisor emails with details)
- Interview a Distinguished Lecture Series presenter (find schedule here)
Impact
Getting Started
- Join Inclusive Earth (student club information in the Student Epicenter FASB 104)
- Attend a MUSE Casual Friday (visit MUSE website for events calendar)
Making Progress
- Participate in or create your own community service project at the Bennion Center
- Volunteer at the Gardens on campus
- Find volunteer opportunities through the Utah Geological Survey
- Attend the annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil show (visit www.wasatchgemsociety.com for more information)
Finishing Up
- Teach community members about your interests at the annual Open House (watch for emails from your advisor)
- Share your research in the department newsletter (email advisor)
Careers
Getting Started
- Start building your resume with your career coach
- Activate and customize your Handshake account to find jobs, internships, and career events
Making Progress
- Create a LinkedIn Account
- Research internships through the Hinckley Institute
- Start research with a faculty member
- Apply for research funding through UROP
- Ask your advisor or professors about Learning Abroad experiences for earth scientists
- Attend Career Expos in fall and spring semesters
Finishing Up
- Apply for jobs or graduate schools at least 6 months before graduation (see your advisor for details)
- Meet with a Career Coach to practice interview conversations
Start Your Career Journey
Find support at the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
About the Major
As a student of the Geological Engineering Program, you will learn to apply engineering and earth science to provide solutions to engineering problems within the context of the natural world. In the Geological Engineering Program, you may choose to study fluid flow and contaminant transport in the subsurface; geo-mechanics (the behavior of earth materials), geo-engineering (design with earth materials); or discovery, development, and utilization of energy resources. This major will teach you to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to design and conduct experiments, and analyze and interpret data. With accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Geological Engineering Program will ensure you receive the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context. You’ll take courses in mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, fluid dynamics, ground water, and others, along with classes in allied engineering and science fields, such as surveying, chemistry, physics, and math. This coursework will prepare you to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and pursue a number of exciting career paths in both the public and private sectors.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
- Recognize the need for professional and ethical responsibility
- Demonstrate an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- Demonstrate an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
- Demonstrate an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
- Recognize the need to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
Plan & Prepare
At the U, we plan for our students to have an exceptional Educational Experience identified by four broad categories we call the Learning Framework: Community, Knowledge & Skills, Transformation, and Impact. This major map will help you envision, explore, design, and plan your personalized Exceptional Education Experience with the Learning Framework at the core. In addition to assisting you in planning your coursework and navigating the requirements of your major, this map will help you incorporate other kinds of experiences to expand your knowledge, support your development, and prepare you for the future you want.